Shop Owner Urges Police Action Following Repeated Burglaries and Arson Threats

Olusegun Adedoyin, owner of an African food and convenience store located on Saint Luke’s Terrace in Pallion, Sunderland, has called for “immediate action” from the police. This appeal follows multiple burglaries at his premises in recent months, alongside threats that his shop would be set on fire. Mr. Adedoyin, known as Olly, stated: “Two weeks ago they broke in and stole £7,500 worth of goods – my shelves are empty and the police have done nothing.” Northumbria Police confirmed its awareness of several burglaries in the vicinity and indicated that investigations are underway. Mr. Adedoyin, whose shop opened two years prior, also reported experiencing regular verbal abuse and violent shaking of his roller shutters. He expressed his distress, saying: “I don’t feel safe coming to my business.” Mr. Adedoyin further elaborated: “They’ve burgled my shop, they threatened to burn down my shop, it’s virtually empty now and all of this was reported to the police and nothing was done.” He concluded: “I feel threatened every day.” After an earlier theft, Mr. Adedoyin had installed CCTV, but this system was subsequently stolen during his most recent burglary. Martin Haswell, who serves as the representative for the Pallion ward on Sunderland City Council, has similarly advocated for enhanced police protection for small businesses, particularly during the winter period. Mr. Haswell commented: “We’re into the dark nights now and it’s clear this has emboldened these criminals.” He added: “It’s not just Olly – multiple stores across Pallion have been hit.” A spokesperson for Northumbria Police confirmed the force’s awareness of “a number of recent burglary and attempted burglary reports” in the area. The spokesperson added: “A number of inquiries are ongoing, and high-visibility patrols will be carried out in the affected areas in the lead up to Christmas.” Steve Hodgson, proprietor of MS Workwear on the same street, remarked that “you never see officers walking in the street.” He asserted: “Several businesses along here are being targeted and it’s not on.” Following the latest break-in, Mr. Adedoyin recounted that other African shop owners in Sunderland informed him that criminals had attempted to sell his stolen merchandise to them. He reacted by saying: “I couldn’t believe it.” The police force has advised shop owners to report crimes or provide information “at the earliest opportunity.” Additionally, it recommended taking “a few simple steps” to help secure their properties. A spokesperson for the force explained: “We often see opportunistic offenders go street-to-street hoping to come across an unlocked door or window.” The spokesperson urged: “Please take an extra second to ensure your doors and windows are locked, and any valuables are kept out of sight.” For updates, follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Further information on the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.