Police are investigating two burglaries in Northumberland after a motorbike and power tools were stolen from garages on a farm near Wooler, and a mountain biking shop was burgled in Rothbury.
Farm Burglary in Ilderton
Offenders are understood to have forced entry into the garages on South Middleton Farm in Ilderton, near Wooler, on the Lilburn Estates in the early hours of Thursday morning. General manager Dominic Naylor said padlocks had been broken off the garages and that items stolen belonged to staff. Mr Naylor feels that those in rural communities are expected to "shoulder the financial burden" of such crimes and said that it is not fair. He added that "people are frightened" after a spate of crimes in areas of rural Northumberland.
Bike Shop Burglary in Rothbury
Police are also investigating a burglary at Scrub Cycles on Rothbury's Bridge Street. Councillor Steven Bridgett, who represents the Rothbury Ward, said that the crimes were not victimless. He added: "They affect hardworking local people, damage confidence within our communities and place additional pressure on businesses that are already operating in difficult economic circumstances. I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and report it to the police. Rural communities are at their strongest when we work together, and timely information from residents can make all the difference in helping to identify those responsible and recover stolen property."
Police Statements
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Shortly before midday today (Thursday), we received a report of burglary at an address in the Wooler area of Northumberland. It was reported that offenders forced entry into garages at the address before taking a motorbike and tools and leaving the scene. Enquiries into the report are ongoing and anyone with information should send us a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report forms on our Force website. For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20260702-0043."
Regarding the Rothbury incident, the spokesperson said: "Just after 9.45am today (Thursday), we received a report of burglary at a premises on Bridge Street in the Rothbury area of Northumberland. It was reported that between 5pm the previous day and 9.30am, offenders forced entry into the premises before taking a number of pedal cycles and e-bikes and leaving the scene. Enquiries into the report are ongoing and anyone with information should send us a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report forms on our Force website. For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20260702-0321."
Police urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigations.
