ANXIOUS shopkeepers were today being offered safety advice as police stepped up the search for armed raiders who held up three Ipswich businesses.Community police officers are visiting stores and shops around the town in an effort reassure traders and to offer security tips.

ANXIOUS shopkeepers were today being offered safety advice as police stepped up the search for armed raiders who held up three Ipswich businesses.

Community police officers are visiting stores and shops around the town in an effort reassure traders and to offer security tips.

KFC, in Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, remained closed yesterday after being raided by two masked men just before midnight on Sunday.

One of the men was believed to be holding a sawn-off shotgun and the pair escaped with a quantity of cash after threatening staff.

Thresher Wine Shop, in Bramford Road, Ipswich, was also closed after being hit at around 8pm on Friday night.

The 25-year-old female member of staff on duty at the time was today still being given counselling.

A spokeswoman for Thresher said: "Our dedicated security team is currently working closely with the local police to resolve this issue, and we are offering support to staff through our Critical Incident Support team.

"Staff safety is of paramount importance to us and we employ a range of in-store security features to attempt to deter retail crime."

Two female shop assistants were also targeted at the Alldays Store in Sprites Lane at around 9.50pm, although it was open as usual the following day.

A police spokeswoman said officers are not linking the latest robbery with the first two.

Bob Feltwell, chief executive of the Suffolk Chamber Of Commerce, said all shopkeepers in the town should be prudent and remain alert.

He added: "Robbery is an ever-present risk in any retail establishment and we advise all small businesses to take advice from crime prevention officers to make sure their premises are as safe as possible.

"Security measures are an added cost but in today's environment it is absolutely better to be safe and secure than sorry."

Anyone with details about the incidents should call Detective Inspector Harold Hayward at Ipswich CID on 01473 383133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.