Ram raiders smash into two Sunderland shops in early-morning crime spree

Ram raiders smashed a car into two Sunderland shops in the early hours of Tuesday morning (March 9) leaving a trail of damage in the city.
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Two suspects have since been arrested by police and remain in police custody following the early-morning spree.

Shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday, March 9, officers were called to a break-in at the Harbour View service station on Dame Dorothy Street, in Roker, where offenders had driven into the shutters to gain entry before stealing various items.

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They then made off in a car and less than 45 minutes later, a similar report of offenders having driven a car into the front of the One Stop shop on Blind Lane, Silksworth, was made to officers.

Inside the shop following the damage.Inside the shop following the damage.
Inside the shop following the damage.

Shocking pictures show the damage to the front of the Silksworth Convenience store.

Officers searched for the vehicle believed to be involved and soon saw a silver Volkswagen, which had substantial damage, driving on Ryhope Road.

The occupants of the car made off from officers and the vehicle was found abandoned near the Civic Centre, having gone off-road.

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Damage to the front of One Stop shop in Silksworth following the ram raidDamage to the front of One Stop shop in Silksworth following the ram raid
Damage to the front of One Stop shop in Silksworth following the ram raid
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Officers swarmed the area in a bid to find the offenders who had fled on foot and two men, who matched the suspects’ descriptions, were located nearby.

The men – aged 30 and 37 – were arrested on suspicion of burglary. They remain in police custody and are assisting detectives with their inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Chris Raper-Smith, of the Southern Burglary Team, said: “While officers carried out enquiries at the respective premises, we also deployed teams across the city in order to try and locate the vehicle believed to have been used to carry out the offences.

“Within an hour, a silver car caught officers’ attention and after noticing that there was substantial damage to the rear of the vehicle, we moved in – but the occupants seemingly weren’t willing to give up easily.

Offenders also targeted Harbour View service station in the Roker areaOffenders also targeted Harbour View service station in the Roker area
Offenders also targeted Harbour View service station in the Roker area
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“After abandoning the vehicle and making off on foot, our officers used their knowledge of the local area and soon located two men who we suspected to have been involved. They will be interviewed in connection with the offences this afternoon.

“We will not tolerate this type of crime and would like to reassure businesses that we will do everything possible to ensure those responsible are swiftly detained and brought to justice.”

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