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Suspects identified, arrested and charged to go before court – after we received reports of alleged shop robberies in a community.
At 3.30pm on Saturday, we were informed of a robbery at a shop on Waterville Road in the North Shields area.
It was reported that a man had entered the premises before trying to take washing pods without paying.
When a member of staff confronted the man, another man came inside and threatened the worker. The pair then left with the stolen goods.
Just 90 minutes later, at 5pm, we then received another report of a robbery, this time at a store on nearby Bedford Street, less than a mile away.
A man was reported to have entered the shop and after picking up several items tried to leave without making payment.
The store manager confronted the man, who is then reported to have drawn a knife and slashed towards her, causing damage to her clothing. The suspect then made off from the scene.
Following quick-time enquiries, including a review of local CCTV footage, we identified two men suspected of being involved in the incidents.
The two men – one in his 30s and one in his 20s – were then arrested that evening and were soon charged.
They appeared before Mid and South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday). The man in his 30s was given conditional bail while the younger man was remanded in custody.
Both men are next due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on March 31.
Inspector Michael Hood, of Northumbria Police’s North Tyneside Area Command, said: “This was excellent work from across our Response, Neighbourhood and Operations policing teams to track down two suspects and get them in handcuffs.
“These were nasty incidents and although thankfully no-one was left injured, the victims – who were only doing their jobs at the time – were understandably shaken.
“Working in this way helps us police our communities more effectively and I’m pleased that we were then able to have the two men charged to appear in court.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who provided information which assisted in our initial enquiries and meant we could identify the two suspects quickly.
“If you have any information regarding crime in your area, please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can upon it.
“We are carrying out reassurance visits and extra patrols across retailers in the North Tyneside area following these incidents and anyone with concerns or queries should approach one of our officers on duty.
“Remember that we are here to help.”
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