Thieves smash windows at Carnival House in Southwick while new business is closed due to lockdown

Officers have launched an investigation after Carnival House in Southwick was burgled and had windows smashed.
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Northumbria Police received a report a of break-in a Carnival House on The King’s Road, in Southwick on Friday, February 5.

It is understood that a number of windows have been smashed and a small amount of property, valued at under £500, was stolen from the premises.

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After standing derelict for 17 years, the former St Hilda’s Parish Centre on The King’s Road was transformed into the colourful multi-purpose site when it was taken over by community interest company Creative Seed.

Police are investigating after a number of windows were smashed and property stolen from Carnival House in Southwick.Police are investigating after a number of windows were smashed and property stolen from Carnival House in Southwick.
Police are investigating after a number of windows were smashed and property stolen from Carnival House in Southwick.

However since then, government restrictions have meant that the business has had to open and shut it’s doors a number of times, with a lot of trade being lost over the Christmas period.

Sandy has told the Echo how difficult it has been and highlighted the impact that the burglary has had on the team.

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She said: “We were originally due to open on March 27 last year however lockdown forced us to move that back to August 1.

Windows have been boarded up following the incident.Windows have been boarded up following the incident.
Windows have been boarded up following the incident.

"Since then, restrictions have meant that we have had to open and close constantly and through it all, we’ve tried to keep certain areas open.

"We have a cafe and bar on site however due to Covid, we’ve not actually had the chance to actually use the bar.

"Thankfully we are lucky that those who broke in didn’t do more damage than what they did or took anything major.

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Police are urging anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward.Police are urging anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward.
Police are urging anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward.
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"We’ve put our heart and soul into the business and we’ve had some great feedback so to have someone wreck the place is a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

After posting about the incident on social media, Carnival House has received overwhelming support from the local community, something which Sandy has praised.

She added: “We’re just blown away by the support that we have received from everyone, people have really got behind us.

"We were feeling low by what has happened and it has made us realise that this is why we do what we do, it has been so lovely and it makes us hopeful for when we can actually reopen.

Husband and wife team Garner and Sandy Harris officially opened Carnival House in August.Husband and wife team Garner and Sandy Harris officially opened Carnival House in August.
Husband and wife team Garner and Sandy Harris officially opened Carnival House in August.
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"I think we’d just appreciate it if anyone in the local area can keep with eyes and ears open so the police can catch whoever did this.”

A spokesperson for the force said: “Shortly before 12.30pm on Friday (February 5) we received a report of a break-in at Carnival House, The Kings Road, Sunderland.

“Three small windows at the property were reported as broken and a number of items valued at under £500 were reported stolen.

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“Enquires are on-going and we are appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 101 or online, quoting log 352 050221.”

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