Huge outdoor benches stolen from Sunderland seafront pub Grannie Annie's as venue targeted by thieves twice during pandemic

Grannie Annie’s, in Marine Walk in Roker, has had three wooden benches stolen from outside of the pub in two separate incidents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The benches, measuring 8ft and 4ft, had been screw gunned together and placed outside the venue.

Costing around £300 each, the benches have been specially made for Grannie Annie’s and will have holes in from where their signs have been unscrewed off and table numbers painted on.

The first theft took place during lockdown when the pub was closed under the Government’s restrictions, and a large 8ft and 4ft bench was stolen.

And the latest theft, believed to have taken place sometime overnight on August 10 and August 11, has seen a third bench taken from the pub.

Adam Straughan, who runs the venue with partner Stacey Karczewski, has informed police and CCTV footage is now being looked at.

Adam, spoke of his frustration at the theft, during what is already a difficult time for businesses because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“This morning I had went to do a litter pick when I noticed that another 8ft bench had gone,” he said.

“That makes it three benches in total.

"During lockdown the benches were all screwed together, so someone had to physically come down with a screw gun and screw driver to move them.

"We have had them made for us and they would be expensive to get made again, especially having been in lockdown and losing money through that.

"We would have thought that people would have more respect during a time when many people are struggling.”

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “At 1.35 pm today (Tuesday) we received a report of stolen benches from outside a premises on Marine Walk, Roker.

“It was reported that three large wooden benches had been stolen at some point overnight between August 10 and 11.

“Inquiries to trace the benches and locate those responsible are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police using the Tell us Something page on our website quoting log 545 110820.”

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