New South Shields shop Zilch Weigh House forced to close unexpectedly for the day after thief steals staff member's purse

One of South Shields’ newest independent businesses was forced to close for the day after being targeted by a thief who stole a purse from a member of staff.
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Zilch Weigh House in Sunderland Road, in Harton Village, which opened in April, was targeted by an opportunistic thief who is believed to have entered the shop from the back lane.

The incident took place at around 10.30am on Monday, May 24, when a purse belonging to a staff member was stolen and a card inside used to buy goods at a nearby store.

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Zilch Weigh House, Sunderland Road, Harton South ShieldsZilch Weigh House, Sunderland Road, Harton South Shields
Zilch Weigh House, Sunderland Road, Harton South Shields
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Northumbria Police said officers are carrying out enquiries to find the person responsible and anyone with information is asked to get in touch.

A force spokesman said: “We can confirm we are investigating a report that a purse was stolen from Zilch Weigh House in South Shields on Monday morning and that a card from the purse had been used nearby.

"Enquiries to identify the person responsible are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to report it online at our website quoting log 587 24/05/21.”

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It apologised for closing and put out an appeal on its Facebook page urging anyone who has seen a green purse with a little dog on the front to get in touch.

The post read: “We have images of CCTV and these will be passed to the police but most importantly we really want the purse back.

"If anyone sees a dark green purse with a little dog on the front and a small jade key ring attached to the zip in or around Harton Village please get in touch with us.”

The shop, which takes its name from the idea of ‘zero waste,’ has been a hit since it opened in April, giving customers the chance to cut down on their use of plastics by using refillable containers and recyclable bags to stock up on their groceries.

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It even has its own peanut butter machine and sells the likes of shampoo and fabric conditioner from pump dispensers.

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