Two Sunderland stores targeted by ram-raiders as city continues coronavirus lockdown

Detectives investigating two suspected ram raids in Sunderland have appealed to the public for information.
Debra Fox
By Debra Fox
Published 27th Mar 2020, 08:32 BST
Updated 27th Mar 2020, 12:04 BST
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At about 11.40pm on Thursday, March 26 Northumbria Police was alerted to an incident at the Spar shop on North Hylton Road.

A car had been driven into the shutters, before making off empty-handed from the scene.

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Three hours later, shortly before 2.45am on Friday, March 27, officers received a report that a car had been driven into the shutters at Sainsbury’s on Station Road, Fulwell, causing destruction to the shutters at the front of the shop.Individuals then gained access to the store and stole a quantity of alcohol, before fleeing the area in the same vehicle.

Damage to the front of Sainsbury's in Station Road.Damage to the front of Sainsbury's in Station Road.
Damage to the front of Sainsbury's in Station Road.

Police have since located a blue car, which is believed to have been used in the Sainsbury’s offence, burnt out in Ridley Street, Southwick.

A member of the public saw the damage at Sainsbury’s on Friday and told the Echo: “Absolute disgrace, hope the staff are okay.”

Inquiries are ongoing into both incidents which police are currently treating as linked.

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Detective Inspector Neal Craig, of Northumbria Police, said: “These are very serious incidents which have resulted in significant damage to two stores.

The crushed barrier at the front of the store.The crushed barrier at the front of the store.
The crushed barrier at the front of the store.

“It is especially disappointing that criminals have carried out these offences at a time when there is increased demand on supermarkets and crucial local services.

“An investigation has been launched into these two incidents, which we are currently treating as linked, and a team of detectives are now carrying out a range of enquiries to identify those responsible.

“Anyone who is found to have been involved can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly – and I would like to reiterate that this type of criminality is totally unacceptable.

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“I would now ask anyone who has information about either of these incidents to come forward and contact us. Your information could prove the key to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

The damage comes as Sunderland enters its fourth day of new "lockdown" measures imposed by the Government.The damage comes as Sunderland enters its fourth day of new "lockdown" measures imposed by the Government.
The damage comes as Sunderland enters its fourth day of new "lockdown" measures imposed by the Government.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force via the Tell Us Something page on the Northumbria Police website quoting log 77 270320.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.