Appeal as museum targeted by raider

Police are appealing for witnesses after a suspected burglar was swiftly detained following an attempted raid in Sunderland.

Police and the council’s CCTV operators combined to make the arrest after the raid at Sunderland Museum, in Burdon Road, shortly before 8am on Tuesday.

Police received a report that a door near the Winter Gardens had been smashed and, after working with Sunderland City Council’s CCTV operators, a man was seen acting suspiciously walking away from the scene just minutes after the reported break-in.

Theyy followed the man’s movements and guided officers to his location – and a 30-year-old was placed under arrest on suspicion of burglary.

Chief Inspector Steve Tallentire praised the actions of everyone involved.

He said :“The council’ s CCTV suite is an important part of the partnership work we adopt across Sunderland.

“This was a great example of police and the council sharing intelligence provided by the camera footage which allowed us to swiftly locate a suspect just moments after a break-in.”

City canbinet member, Cllr Linda Williams, said: “It is saddening to see a public building that is loved by so many targeted in this way, especially at a time when so many cultural venues have only recently reopened after a difficult few months.”

The man arrested was interviewed by officers and has been released on bail. Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 129 290920.