CCTV released after bungling
IMAGES of raiders smashing their way into a much-loved heritage centre to steal cash have been released.
In just nine seconds the two thieves caused £1,000 of damage to the oldest building on North Shields’ Fish Quay when they targeted the Old Low Light Heritage and Community Centre.
Caught on CCTV, the pair can be seen attempting to “hot-wire” the building’s security shutters for some time, in a bid to get inside.
But, after being disturbed by arriving fisheries staff, they take more immediate action and get a brick to smash their way in.
The thieves made off with two large charity boxes containing cash, which aims to celebrate and preserve the heritage and culture of North Shields Fish Quay.
Police are now investigating the break-in, which happened early on Friday morning.
And now, as an online fundraising drive is launched to help repair the damage, the centre’s manager has told of his anger.
But Guy Moody says everyone at the Old Low Light is also relieved none of the centre’s priceless exhibitions were damaged in the break-in.
He said: “I was livid. We have two objectives here, one is to look after the building, the other is to keep it in use for the people of North Shields. The building we are in is the oldest building on the Fish Quay.
“It’s a well-used and well-loved building. But luckily, because they were only in the building for nine seconds they didn’t go further than the front door.
“They damaged the building itself, but thankfully they didn’t get to the exhibitions. That was one of the first things we checked.
“All the exhibitions are done by people from North Shields and they are irreplaceable. The idea that anything could happen to them makes you sick to the stomach.” The 18th-