Bosses at a popular arts venue in Sunderland said they are "really disappointed" after it was targeted by thieves for the fifth time in just two years.
Pop Recs on High Street West, in Sunderland, was broken into at 1.15am on Saturday (August 13). Northumbria Police has since launched an investigation into the burglary which saw the suspect steal a number of items from inside.
The venue posted on Facebook on Saturday: "They've been at it again. Early this morning, we had our 5th break-in in 2 years. Loads more damage to deal with and equipment stolen. Really disappointed more than anything. If you're passing today we could use a bit of love."
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It is the fifth time the building, which opened in November last, has been broken into. While undergoing renovation work it was burgled three times including in May 2020 when thieves stole £1,000 worth of musical equipment from the Young Musicians Project.
Then it was targeted again a few weeks later when thieves stole a sentimental coffee machine and a wheelbarrow. The latest attack saw a number of items stolen and caused significant damage to the doors.
However, a fundraising page has since been set up to help raise money for a roller shutter door and so far more than £3,100 has so far been raised. The community interest company (CIC) is run by Frankie and the Heartstrings guitarist Michael McKnight along with Dan Shannon, in memory of one of its founders Dave Harper.
In a statement, the venue said: "In the last few months we've been on the receiving end of two break-ins which have significantly damaged the entrances to our cafe and venue. Unfortunately, it's been very difficult to absorb this cost as we try to develop the rest of the building.
"As a CIC, we exist to enrich our community and provide opportunities for as many groups as possible. We currently directly employ six local people and indirectly contribute to the income of many others. We provide access to our cafe and venue to many groups, more often than not, at no cost.
"The reality of incidents like this is that it puts us under significant financial pressure. The money raised here will go towards replacing our front doors and contributing to the cost of a roller shutter door into our venue."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "An investigation has been launched following a burglary at Pop Recs on High Street West, Sunderland, at 1.15am on Saturday (August 13).
"An offender broke into the premises and stole a number of items from inside, before making off. “Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting crime number 095139F/22."
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