South Shields pub manager's warning after second burglary in same street

The manager of a South Tyneside bar and restaurant has warned other businesses in the area to be vigilant after the second burglary in a matter of months in one street.
Waterfront manager Lexi Younghusband warns other local businesses after their were burgledWaterfront manager Lexi Younghusband warns other local businesses after their were burgled
Waterfront manager Lexi Younghusband warns other local businesses after their were burgled

The Waterfront Pub, in Mill Dam, was broken into earlier this month, with more than £1,000 in cash, £1,000 worth of champagne and a £500 laptop stolen.

Police are investigating the burglary, which is thought to have taken place at about 3.15am on Wednesday, June 14.

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Officers are also looking into a similar incident at Pretty Little Things, a home furnishings and interior design shop located next door to the Waterfront.

More than £2,000 was taken from there in a burglary which took place in late-January.

Lexi Younghusband, manager of the Waterfront, believes businesses in the area are being targeted.

She said: “When I discovered what had been taken and the damage which had been caused, it was terrible.

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“They had ripped the till out from the wall and there was smashed glass everywhere.

“This was the last thing I expected, because the area is so friendly and quiet.

“However, the fact that both ourselves and Pretty Little Things have been broken into this year suggests to me that the area is being targeted.

“We just want to warn other businesses in the area to be vigilant. I want the story to be out there from a community safety perspective.”

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The laptop which was taken from the Waterfront belonged to Lexi, and contained photographs of sentimental value.

Lexi had only taken over as manager a week before the incident.

She added: “It’s such a good venue and such a good street. I love working here and I love the challenge, but I just hope something extra can be done with regards to safety, for example more security cameras to be on the streets.”

Kate Richardson, manager of Pretty Little Things, said: “We had a couple of thousand pounds taken, and when I heard about what had happened next door, it sounded very similar.

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“We think the area is being targeted, and we’re going to stand together and hopefully other businesses here will do the same.”

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Police received a report of a burglary at the Waterfront Pub in Mill Dam on Wednesday, June 15.

“It is believed to have happened between 10.45pm on Tuesday, June 14 and 10.10am on Wednesday, June 15, where offenders broke in and stole cash, alcohol and a laptop.

“Police received a report of a burglary at Pretty Things in Mill Dam on Thursday, January 28.

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“It is believed to have happened between 5pm on Wednesday, January 27 and 10am on Thursday, January 28.

“Offenders broke into the store and made off with a table, lamp and mirror as well as causing damage to the shop.

“Inquiries are ongoing into both incidents and anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact police on 101 quoting Waterfront Pub 292 150616 or Pretty Things 266 280116.”