Police launch burglary investigation following a break in at a popular South Shields garden centre
Police are investigating following a break in at a South Shields garden centre.
Green Fingers Garden Centre, on Western Approach, in South Shields, was the subject of a break in on Saturday evening (December 13).
As a result of the incident, damage was caused to some of the garden centre’s windows, as well as till floats and staff’s Christmas tips being stolen.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that officers attended the scene but the suspect had fled before they had arrived.
They are now appealing for members of the public to come forward with any details relating to the incident.
A spokesperson for the Force said: “At about 10:40pm on Saturday, December 13, we received a report of burglary at a premises on Western Approach in the South Shields area.
“Emergency services attended but the suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch by sending us a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or ‘report’ form function on our website.
“Those who can’t contact us online, should call 101.
“Please quote reference number: NP-20251213-1142.”
Kenny Coates, the operations manager at Green Fingers Garden Centre, told the Shields Gazette about how the break in has impacted both himself and the staff earlier this week.
The garden centre has also launched a Go Fund Me page in an effort to recover the staff tips - with the business stating that it will match the total amount raised.
You can view and donate to the fundraiser at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-christmas-appeal-for-our-staff-after-a-burglary.