Raiders who rammed a van through a shop window and shutters are still on the run.
The ram-raid took place at a Sainsbury's Local on Station Terrace, in East Boldon, at around 11.15pm on Thursday.
Significant damage was caused to the shop when a Subaru van was deliberately driven into the shop front just a few minutes after it had closed.
One witness said that four men with their hoods on then made their way inside the shop and stole a number of items.
The van believed to have been used in the ram-raid was later found by police burnt out in a field.
The shop remained cordoned off on Friday morning and a forensic officer was seen collecting evidence around the damaged area.
On Saturday morning, a Northumbria Police spokesperson said there had been no arrests made.
One man, who was walking home, saw the incident unfolding and rang the police.
He said: "I came off the Metro at East Boldon and I was walking past there. I noticed there was a Subaru parked unusually.
"Most people park alongside the road. This was adjacent, in between the bollards, facing the Sainsbury's and all lined up.
"There were four men in the car with hoods on. I looked at the plate - there was no plate there. It had been removed.
"They were clearly up to no good. When I got to the corner, I got my phone out and rang the police.
"Just then the engine started revving and the vehicle rammed into the door four times. It broke through.
"The guys got out and went in. They were shouting at each other 'come on man hurry up' and were going in and out of the shop. I saw them coming out with bags and then they drove off.
"I was on the phone to the police at the time. It all happened within two minutes."
Sergeant Angela Lewis, of Northumbria Police, said: "Shortly after 11.15pm on Thursday we received a report of a suspected ram raid at Sainsbury’s off Station Road, East Boldon.
"It was reported that a vehicle had rammed into the shutters of the store, causing significant damage.
"The occupants then gained access to the shop and stole a number of items, before leaving the scene in the same vehicle.
"An investigation has been launched into the incident and officers have since located a blue Subaru Forrester van believed to have been used in the offence burnt out in a field off Newcastle Road.
"Inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible and we would ask anybody who saw anything suspicious in the area or who have information that can assist with our investigation to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 1215 300120. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
