Burglars break into Barnardo's in Gateshead and ripped till from counter to steal small amount of cash

Heartless burglars broke into a Gateshead charity shop and stole cash from inside.

The thugs jemmied the front door to Barnardo’s in Boot Street, Felling, during the early hours of Thursday morning and ransacked the shop.

They ripped the till from the counter, damaged the safe, broke fire extinguishers and left the place in a mess.

Police were called to the premises at 7.17am and were there when staff and volunteers arrived to open up.

Barnardos in Felling which had a break in (newcastle chronicle)

It was discovered a small amount of money was taken.

Shocked workers rallied round to tidy the premises and open the shop for a couple of hours afterwards before getting back to normal hours on Friday.

Police are now investigating and are asking anyone who has information to get in touch.

Barnardo’s bosses told ChronicleLive how the break-in was “very up-setting” and “distressing for everyone involved”.

Barnardos in Felling which had a break in (newcastle chronicle)

Laura Walton, Barnardo’s Area Business Manager, said: “We can confirm that our shop in Felling in Gateshead has been broken into and we are working with the police in their investigations.

"There was some damage to the shop and the office from the break-in.

“It is very upsetting for our volunteers and staff at the shop who work so hard to run the shop and serve the community. All the money Barnardo’s shops raise is used to help the disadvantaged children and young people Barnardo’s works with, so it is distressing for everyone involved.

“The team are trying to reopen for a couple of hours this afternoon and will be back to normal tomorrow. We’d like to thank all of our wonderful and customers and donors, whose support means so much to us and helps Barnardo’s make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 7.17am today (Thursday), police received a report of a burglary at Barnardo’s on Booth Street, Felling.

“It was reported that overnight offenders had gained access to the shop and ripped the till off the counter.

“An investigation has been launched and anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 116 031019.”