CASH, safes and gadgets were stolen when thieves targeted a parade of shops early on Thursday.

A number of businesses were boarded up following five break-ins and one attempted burglary at the Orchard shops on Durham Lane in Eaglescliffe.

Police believe thieves struck between midnight and 7am and took items including cash, two safes and two pairs of GHD straighteners, though one safe was later recovered.The parade of shops reopened in 2014 after being gutted by fire two years previously.

Then, a number of businesses were destroyed or damaged in the huge blaze, which was tackled by more than 40 firefighters.

The row of shops now hosts businesses including a pharmacy, a Chinese takeaway, a hairdressers and a florists.

It is currently unclear which businesses were targeted by thieves.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.