Staff at a North East store have been left "absolutely devastated" after a theft in which a week's worth of takings and Christmas gifts were taken.
It happened at the Be More Geek store at the Metrocentre in Gateshead on Sunday, December 5.
No staff members were harmed during the incident, which is being investigated by Northumbria Police.
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The store's owner, James Gee, shared the news on social media and said the impact on the small business and staff had been "catastrophic".
He is now offering a £1,000 reward to help track the culprits.
His message on Facebook said: "We are absolutely devastated to report that yesterday during working hours our safe, containing a week's worth of takings, was lifted and removed from our Metrocentre store.
"Alongside the safe, various Christmas gifts for staff were also taken. Thankfully no staff were harmed during the robbery.
"As a small business at this time of year especially, the impact of this financially and for our staff is catastrophic."
James said the team was working closely with Northumbria Police to identify the suspects and he was offering a personal reward of £1,000 to anyone who could provide any information leading to a successful conviction.
He added: "Thank you in advance to anyone who is able to come forward to report any information and thank you as always to all our customers for your continued support."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 3.50pm on Sunday, we received a report of a stolen safe containing a quantity of cash from Be More Geek inside the Metrocentre.
“Enquires are ongoing into the theft. Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 and quoting NP-20211205-0623.”
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