We’re calling for increased action following a spate of crime on South Shields’ Ocean Road

The South Tyneside Bangladeshi Caterers Federation is calling on Northumbria Police and South Tyneside Council to take action following a number of break-ins and criminal damage at various restaurants on Ocean Road, in South Shields.

A burglary investigation was launched by Northumbria Police after a window was smashed and money stolen from Spice Garden during the early hours of Monday, January 12.

Officers have since launched a criminal damage investigation after more premises, including the Star of India, were targeted in the early hours of Tuesday morning (January 20).

The South Tyneside Bangladeshi Caterers Federation has revealed that the ongoing criminal activity has been impacting their businesses and stated that customers are being deterred from visiting restaurants on Ocean Road.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Almost every night, restaurant windows are being smashed, with repeated incidents of vandalism and theft occurring throughout the area.

“This sustained pattern of crime is resulting in significant financial loss, emotional stress, and growing fear among business owners.

“To date, despite multiple incidents and reports, we have seen little to no visible support or effective response from police.

“The lack of action and communication has left many business owners feeling abandoned, vulnerable, and unsafe. This ongoing inaction is unacceptable given the frequency and severity of the crimes occurring.

“Beyond the immediate damage, these incidents are seriously damaging the reputation of our street and the wider area.

“Customers are already being deterred from visiting what is normally a vibrant and popular hospitality and tourism precinct.

“If this situation continues, it will have long-term consequences for foot traffic, tourism, employment, and the survival of local businesses.”

As a result, the South Tyneside Bangladeshi Caterers Federation is calling on Northumbria Police and the local authority to improve security in the surrounding area.

The group added: “We believe it is essential that urgent meetings be arranged between the affected business owners, the local council team, and police representatives to address this situation properly.

“Increased police patrols during night-time hours, improved security measures, clearer communication, and practical support for businesses must be implemented without delay.

“We cannot continue to operate under these conditions, and decisive action is needed now to resolve this matter before further damage is done to businesses, livelihoods, and community safety.

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“We work hard to contribute to the local economy and tourism along the great Ocean Road, and we need reassurance that our concerns, safety, and livelihoods are being taken seriously.”

Northumbria Police has moved to reassure that businesses that it takes all reports of criminality seriously and that the Force does its “utmost” to locate those responsible.

Officers have also confirmed that a man has been arrested and charged as part of their investigations into the spate of crime on Ocean Road in recent weeks.

A spokesperson for the Force said: “We take all reports of burglary and criminal damage seriously and do our utmost to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We have been carrying out a thorough investigation into recent reports of burglaries at premises in the Ocean Road area of South Shields which we believed to be linked.

“As a result of our extensive enquiries we arrested and charged a man – in his 40s – with two counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

“He appeared before magistrates in South Shields earlier this week and was released on conditional bail which includes not to enter South Shields town centre.

"He is due to appear before the same court later this year.

“To report crime or provide information, please send us a DM on social media or use the live chat and report forms on our Force website.

“For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101.

“If a crime is taking place, always call 999.”

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