Ram-raids on two Sunderland food stores
Detectives investigating two suspected ram-raids in Sunderland have appealed to the public for information.
At about 11.40pm on Thursday,police were alerted to an incident at the Spar shop on North Hylton Road.
A car had been driven into the shutters, before making off empty-handed from the scene.
Three hours later, shortly before 2.45am on Friday, officers received a report that a car had been driven into the shutters at Sainsbury’s on Station Road, Fulwell, causing destruction to the shutters at the front of the shop, and alcohol stolen.
Police have since located a blue car, which is believed to have been used in the Sainsbury’s offence, burnt out in Ridley Street, Southwick.
A member of the public saw the damage at Sainsbury’s on Friday and told the
Echo: “Absolute disgrace, hope the staff are okay.”
Inquiries are ongoing into both incidents which police are treating as linked.
Detective Inspector Neal Craig, of Northumbria Police, said: “These are very serious incidents which have resulted in significant damage to two stores.
“It is especially disappointing that criminals have carried out these offences at a time when there is increased demand on supermarkets and crucial local services.
“Aninvestigationhasbeen launched into these two incidents, which we are treating as linked, and a team of detectives are now carrying out a range of enquiries to identify those responsible.
“Anyone who is found to have been involved can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly – and I would like to reiterate that this type of criminality is totally unacceptable.
“I would now ask anyone who has information about either of these incidents to come forward and contact us.
Your information could prove the key to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via the Tell Us Something page on the Northumbria Police website quoting log 77 270320.
Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.