Ram raiders tried to smash their way through shutters into a South Shields cafe before making off.
Shortly before 11.15pm on Friday, police received a report of criminal damage at the Mac 'n' Alli cafe in Westoe Crown Village, South Shields.
A white Transit van is believed to have driven into the front of the store, causing extensive damage.
Several men inside the van then left the scene in a silver VW Passat.
Nobody was injured and it does not appear that anything was taken from the shop.
An investigation is ongoing and police are now appealing for any witnesses to contact them.
Anyone who witnessed what happened, or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, is asked to get in touch with Northumbria Police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1364 220319 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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