CCTV captures criminal breaking into a South Shields town centre shop
A thief has been caught on CCTV smashing their way into a South Shields shop.
CCTV footage has captured a thief targeting Serenity Crystals and Gifts in the early hours of Monday, June 22.
Footage shared by the Fowler Street shop shows a masked thief throwing two bricks at a window before smashing through it with their foot and taking money from the till.
The video then shows the offender escaping back through the smashed window and fleeing the scene.
An image shared by Serenity Crystals and Gifts shows the extent of the damage caused by the incident to the shop’s door.
Stef Brown, the owner of South Shields’ Serenity Crystals and Gifts, has previously told the Shields Gazette of the impact that the incident is having on her business.
Northumbria Police have launched an investigation into the break-in and officers are appealing for anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward and speak to them.
A spokesperson for the Force said: “Just after 1.30am on Monday (June 22), we received a report of a burglary in South Shields.
“It was reported that someone had broken a window and forced entry into a premises on Fowler Street.
“A small amount of money was also reported to have been stolen from the till.
“An investigation has been launched and enquires are ongoing to locate those responsible.
“Anyone who has any information or witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time, should contact us via social media or on our website.
“Those who are unable to contact us online, should call 101.
“Please quote the reference number: 26000381875.”