Charity shop hit by burglary
CASH STOLEN AS THIEVES RIP TILL FROM COUNTER AND DAMAGE SAFE
HEARTLESS burglars broke into a Gateshead charity shop and stole cash from inside.
The thugs jemmied the front door to Barnardo’s in Boot Street, Felling, during the early hours of Thursday morning and ransacked the shop.
They ripped the till from the counter, damaged the safe, broke fire extinguishers and left the place in a mess.
Police were called to the premises at 7.17am and were there when staff and volunteers arrived to open up.
It was discovered a small amount of money was taken.
Shocked workers rallied round to tidy the premises and open the shop for a couple of hours afterwards before getting back to normal hours yesterday.
Police are now investigating and are asking anyone who has information to get in touch.
Barnardo’s bosses said the break-in had been “very upsetting” and “distressing for everyone involved”.
Laura Walton, Barnardo’s area business manager, said: “We can confirm that our shop in Felling in Gateshead has been broken into and we are working with the police in their investigations.
“There was some damage to the shop and the office from the break-in.
“It is very upsetting for our volunteers and staff at the shop who work so hard to run the shop and serve the community. All the money Barnardo’s shops raise is used to help disadvantaged children and young people, so it is distressing for everyone.
“We’d like to thank all of our wonderful and customers and donors, whose support means so much to us and helps Barnardo’s make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 7.17am on Thursday, police received a report of a burglary at Barnardo’s on Booth Street, Felling.
“It was reported that overnight offenders had gained access to the shop and ripped the till off the counter.
“An investigation has been launched and anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference
116 031019.”