An investigation is under way after a decommissioned shotgun was stolen from an outhouse in Blyth.
At 6.20pm on Thursday, police received a report that an antique shotgun and ammunition had been stolen from a premises in Lonsdale Avenue.
It is believed at some point between 2-5pm the offender has smashed the glass panel of the door to gain entry to the premises, before removing the antique from its wall display and making off from the scene.
Police say that the shotgun has been decommissioned and cannot be fired.
However the force is keen to trace the item and return it to its owner.
Detective Inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: "We know items like this can often appear intimidating but we would like to reassure the public that this item has been decommissioned and therefore cannot discharge.
3204@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
