'The b*stards have taken all my stock!' Devastated shop owner reveals heartache after thieves wipe shelves clean
Last updated 14th Nov 2024
Close to £15,000 worth of horse-riding clothing and equipment has been stolen following a break-in at Ramparts Business Park in Berwick.
Expensive riding boots, breastplates, and bridles were among the items taken during the raid on SJM Equestrian.
It's believed to have happened around 7.30pm on Sunday evening, when a number of cars were spotted fleeing the area.
Owner Steph Macdonald told Greatest Hits Radio: “I am beyond devastated. I'm truly just numb, beyond words at the minute.
"The burglars have smashed their way into the building through the main door; we've been left with a very small, limited amount of items that have been left on manniquins and things like that.
"What has been left behind has been damaged to some degree; we're salvaging what we can."
But she added: "With the stock that has been taken, that has completely wiped out our business. It's not going to be something we can replace any time soon."
The retail outlet on Windmill Way West - which includes a rug-washing business - was forced to close on Monday while police forensic officers were called in to examine the scene, but has since reopened.
Steph said: "They must have been disturbed as a bag was outside, but please be super vigilant in getting any used goods, these have been professionals.
"Laundry is able to function, although we are still climbing over shelves and trying to tidy back up again."
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It comes just four months after cables and scrap metal worth up to £7,000 were stolen during a raid on a neighbouring business.
And now a request could be made for automatic number plate recognition cameras to be installed at the entrance to Ramparts Business Park - in a bid to protect traders from travelling gangs.
Steph added: "We have become aware of a number of break-ins - that are high-value break-ins - on the estate of late. It's a difficult one in terms of what more can we do, to prevent it happening again.
"It would be interesting if the owners of the estate (Advance Northumberland) could put some kind of CCTV camera in at the entrance.
"It may be something we do sit down as a group of business owners within the estate and potentially look at funding, possibly through crowdfunding, just to try to protect ourselves and be a bit more proactive."
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Unconfirmed reports have been received of other break-ins in the Bamburgh area over the weekend.
Northumbria Police have confirmed they're investigating.
A spokesperson said: "We received a report of a burglary at a premises on Windmill Way West in Berwick-upon-Tweed, which is believed to have taken place between 2.45pm on Saturday and 12.30pm on Monday.
"It was reported that the offenders forced entry into the premises before stealing a quantity of stock and fleeing the scene.
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact us by sending a direct message on social media or by using the live chat function on our website. You can also use the report forms on our website.
"For those unable to contact us via those ways, please call 101. Please quote crime reference number 134005N/24.”
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