FOUR people have been charged by police investigating an alleged burglary at a charity shop.

Shortly after 10pm on Thursday, March 21, Northumbria Police received a report that the Barnardo’s store, on The Green, Southwick, had been raided.

Officers attended and found the front door of the property had been smashed, while a number of items including the till – which was found smashed nearby– and clothing had been stolen.

The damage caused is believed to be worth hundreds of pounds.

An investigation was launched and three men and a juvenile were arrested.

All four were charged with two counts of burglary. They appeared before magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court on Saturday and are due to reappear before the courts in the coming weeks.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria police on 101 quoting reference 1244 210319 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.