Darlington Co-op damaged after early morning break-in

Officers were called to the Mowden Co-op on Fulthorpe Avenue at around 3.30am this morning (November 26) after a burglary.

Durham Police said items were stolen before two suspects took off on foot and an investigation has now been launched.

Pictures taken from the scene showed how a glass panel at the front of the store was smashed, with two workers seen boarding it up on Wednesday afternoon.

A hole in the window on Fulthorpe Avenue (Image: ANNA BARNES)

A crime scene investigation van was seen parked outside the shop while Co-op staff turned away customers.

A co-op staff member said: “There was a break in last night, so the shop is closed for now and we’re having to get all of this sorted out. I’m unsure when it will reopen.”

Passersby who were turned away from the store said it was “such a shame” to see something like this happen in the area.

Officers at the scene. (Image: ANNA BARNES)

Officers at the scene (Image: ANNA BARNES)

One shopper, who did not wish to be named, said: “I’ve never seen anything like this happen before. I’ve lived here for ten years, and I’ve not seen anything like it. It’s such a shame.”

Another shopper added: “It’s usually a safe area around here, so it’s not often you see things like this happen.”

A volunteer at St Teresa’s charity shop said: “I saw the police van parked outside this morning when I got to work and a big hole was in the window.”

The window has since been boarded up. (Image: ANNA BARNES)

A police spokesperson said: “Police were called at around 3.30am this morning (November 23) to reports of a burglary at the Co-op on Fulthorpe Avenue in Darlington.

 “The two suspects took items from inside the store and made off on foot.

 “An investigation is now underway and enquiries are now ongoing.”