Intruders have smashed their way into a family-run bar before making off with alcohol.
Burglars targeted the Tin of Sardines bar in Roker, Sunderland, in the early hours of Tuesday morning after forcing entry into the premises. The manager of the bar, Chris Paterson, said that the incident was the fourth time in five months the business has been targeted by criminals.
A police investigation into the burglary is now ongoing. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 1am on Tuesday, we received a report of a burglary at Tin of Sardines in Roker, Sunderland. Offenders forced entry to the premises before stealing a quantity of alcohol and making off from the scene. An investigation into the burglary is ongoing.”
Read more: Sunderland's Vaux taproom broken into after gates are 'rammed' with vehicle
Alongside a CCTV image, Chris Paterson posted a public status on social media, saying: "Last night shortly after I had vacated the premises we were yet again targeted by thieves - this is the fourth time in five months."
He added: "The more this continues to happen the less likely it is this bar will continue to operate it has literally cost thousands and thousands of pounds in damages over the past few months which is hard for any business to maintain. This is a small family run business with young children and and mortgages for houses to be considered..."
The popular bar, which was once a toilet block on Pier View - sits adjacent to the Bungalow Café and is the sister bar to Durham's Tin of Sardines. No arrests have been made in connection with the burglary.
Read next:
- 'It would be a huge loss': Petition launched to 'save' popular seaside café in Sunderland
- Police investigating after CCTV footage emerges of brawl involving pool cues in South Shields pub
- Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after person fell from North Shields window
- Pair appear at court in connection with death of Maya Chappell in Shotton Colliery
- Investigation into death of teen Elliot Ayre hit by taxi near Bishop Auckland continues
