A destructive burglar was caught red-handed by police after smashing his way into a city centre bar and attempting to steal alcohol and cash from a charity box.
Alan Clarke smashed the window of Chaplins pub on Stockton Road, Sunderland using a brick in the early hours of July 19 before climbing into the premises in the dead of night.
Once inside, he left a trail of destruction and took bottles of alcohol and spirits, damaged the cash tills and even snatched coins from a charity box.
He then tipped over one of the gaming machines and tried to force it open before the bar’s owner was made aware of the break-in.
Police officers arrived and found Clarke, 45, inside after he pocketed the cash and bagged up bottles of alcohol. He was also found in possession of a Stanley knife and a quantity of cocaine.
Photos taken from inside the bar show debris tossed all over the floor by Clarke as he looked for valuables.
Shattered glass was also left around a seating area where Clarke had smashed his way inside.
The victim of the burglary said the damaged caused would cost £2,000 to repair.
The bar had only reopened days before, following coronavirus restrictions being lifted.
The owners said Covid-19 has "already been a challenge" but said they were determined to overcome the break-in and get back to serving customers.
In a Facebook post, Chaplins said: "We can confirm the pub has been broken into with quite extensive damage.
"This pandemic has already been a challenge for our team, so this set back is something we can overcome. Service will resume."
Clarke, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to burglary, possession of a pointed article and possession of cocaine when he appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on July 20.
He is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court next month.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of Northumbria Police’ s Southern Burglary Team, said: “Alan Clarke caused a huge amount of damage and destruction when he smashed his way into a city centre bar for purely selfish means.
“He showed a total disregard for both the law and the livelihood of the owner, racking up hundreds of pounds worth of damage in a cynical bid to steal alcohol and money.
“Clarke even had the audacity to steal coins from a charity box – his behaviour is absolutely appalling and he should be ashamed of his actions.
“Many business owners have faced a difficult few months due to lockdown restrictions but are now back open and working hard to provide a safe and relaxed environment for customers to enjoy.
“It is therefore especially disappointing that Clarke made the decision to carry out this disgraceful offence, at a time when the rest of the city are pulling together and showing the community spirit that this region is famed for.”
In a statement, the victim revealed the damage caused by Clarke to the window, games machine and till – as well as the alcohol which he had consumed – was worth approximately £2,000.
Clarke was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on August 17.
