Volunteers who run the landmark have been left devastated by the break ins.

One of Sunderland’s most important historical buildings, regarded as the heart of Old Sunderland, has suffered two recent break ins, leaving its dedicated volunteers devastated.

17Nineteen has suffered two recent break ins | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — 17Nineteen has suffered two recent break ins | Sunderland Echo

In the past two months, 17Nineteen in the East End has been broken into twice, damaging the property including irreplaceable items which are more than 300-years-old.

It also led to the cancellation of events at the multipurpose venue, which was reborn at Holy Trinity Church after a multimillion restoration project.

As Northumbria Police continue to investigate the crimes, volunteers have reopened the landmark and are encouraging people to attend events and support the venue. Numerous changes have also been made to heighten security at the site.

Standing tall in the East End, Holy Trinity Church was once at the heart of old Sunderland, housing the old town’s council chamber, the first fire service, Magistrates’ Court and even its first library.

A building which has stood in the heart of old Sunderland for 300 years entered a new chapter after a major £5million restoration project. | Sunderland Echo

The church was transformed several years ago thanks to a £5m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and changed its name to 17Nineteen, after the year the church first opened.

It is one of only a handful of Grade I listed buildings in the city, and is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), who, with the help of a volunteer led group The 17nineteen Society, operate it as a bustling community hub, music venue and heritage attraction.

Mark Sproat, Lead Local Community Officer at CCT, said : “It’s through the work of the volunteers that this building is establishing itself as a jewel in the crown for Sunderland, we’re extremely proud of them and they of the church.

“They’re devastated and disheartened by recent events. The thieves got away with some minor items but it’s the damage and the need to close the church to the community that makes both break-ins even harder to bear.

“CCT looks at this from a conservation point of view and the damage that’s been caused here diverts resources from other churches in our estate that are in greater need of that time and money. Some of the damage is to irreplaceable fittings and furnishings that are over 300 years old.

“Everyone involved at the church feels wounded by the incidents, this is a community space that they keep open for the good of Sunderland as a whole, they desperately want the city and particularly the East End to help them, help CCT to protect this building.

“We’ve made numerous changes to ensure no money or valuables are left on-site overnight.”

Some of members of the volunteer group who run 17Nineteen pictured last year, from left: Brenda Owens, Pat Bell, Bill Dove, Stuart Miller, Geraldine Arthur and Craig Owens | Sunderland Echo

The 17nineteen Society, who run the building day to day, was formed in 2025, and is entirely volunteer led. Society chair Anne Moore is determined to keep pushing on.

“Everyone was understandably shocked when we discovered the break-ins, we all volunteer our time to assist CCT in keeping the building open for the local community - who also love it dearly, and we know they are just as devastated as we are,” she said.

“Having to close for several weeks was incredibly frustrating as people rely on the church for a variety of reasons.

“However, now we are back-up and running we encourage you to get involved, whether that’s by sharing our posts on social media, attending an event, or by volunteering with us. We’re always keen to welcome new visitors and volunteers.”

Referencing the first break in, a spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly before 1pm on Tuesday, August 11, we received a report of burglary at an address on Church Street East in the East End area of Sunderland.

“The burglary is believed to have taken place the previous morning, where an offender has gained entry via an open window. A quantity of cash and camera equipment was taken.

“Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone believed to be responsible.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, visiting the live chat on the Force website or by going to the ‘Report’ section of the website.

“For those unable to contact police this way, call 101. Please quote reference: 26000421819.”

17Nineteen events

With the venue now back open, the team is looking forward to a busy autumn with monthly Sound Baths, Folk Club, History Walks, choir groups, their popular History Mysteries series, community lectures and craft groups.

Highlights also include the Christmas Fayre on the November 28 between 11am-4pm, and annual Christmas Carol Concert on December 8.

The 17Nineteen Society also run a Coffee Bar at the site, which is open, alongside the building, every Wednesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm, for people who want to meet a friend, take a moment of quiet contemplation - or take your time to look around one of the most important buildings in Sunderland’s history.