Cash, Energy Drinks, and Lottery Scratch Cards Stolen in Dramatic Sunderland Shop Ram-Raid
A Co-op store in Sunderland fell victim to a daring ram-raid in the early hours of Friday morning, resulting in the theft of cash, energy drinks, lottery scratch cards, and stamps. The incident took place at around 4:20 am on Station Road in Penshaw, as a group of men forcefully entered the store using an angle grinder.
According to reports, the perpetrators then proceeded to drive a white Transit van into the shop’s shutters in an attempt to detach a cash machine from the wall. While unsuccessful in their efforts to take the ATM, they managed to make off with £420 in cash from the store’s till, along with a substantial quantity of energy drinks, thousands of lottery scratch cards, and some stamps.
By the time the police arrived, the suspects had already fled the scene in the stolen van. Authorities later discovered the abandoned vehicle in the Fencehouses area, believing it to be the one used in the burglary and stolen from the Premier Road area prior to the break-in. In their ongoing investigation, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist their efforts.
Detective Sergeant Katrina Moore of Northumbria Police emphasized their commitment to resolving the case and bringing the culprits to justice. She stated, This is a very concerning report, and we would like to reassure local businesses and the wider public that we will be doing all we can to ensure all those involved are brought into custody. Sgt. Moore further addressed the damage caused by the ram-raid, expressing the zero-tolerance policy for such behavior in the community.
The shop’s front sustained significant damage during the incident, prompting law enforcement to implore the public and businesses to collaborate in fortifying the security of their premises. Sgt. Moore advised individuals to ensure doors, windows, and properties remain secure, while keeping valuables out of plain sight, as preventive measures against burglary and theft.
Anyone possessing information relevant to the ongoing investigation can report it by visiting the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101, quoting log NP-20230811-0127. In cases of emergencies or crimes in progress, it is crucial to dial 999 for immediate assistance.
The authorities are keen on resolving this case swiftly and are relying on information from the public to ensure justice is served. By working together, law enforcement and the community can effectively combat crime while safeguarding the well-being and security of everyone involved.
