Gateshead MP warns spate of Low Fell burglaries could see businesses 'forced to close'
by Sam Volpe · ChronicleLiveGateshead MP Mark Ferguson said he was "absolutely disgusted" by the spate of burglaries seen in Low Fell, and called on the Government to act to cut shop thefts - and said some of those affected in Low Fell potentially faced closure as a result.
Mr Ferguson, Labour MP for Gateshead Central and Whickham, raised the issue after a number of break-ins were reported to police over the weekend. Police said they were called to the Low Fell area in the early hours of Sunday morning following reports of burglaries at premises on Beaconsfield Road, Durham Road and Kells Road.
Police earlier this week said two men, aged 41 and 43, had been arrested over the incidents, but have since been bailed. Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, the MP asked a question of policing minister Dame Diana Johnson MP.
He said: "I am often contacted by businesses from across Gateshead Central and Whickham complaining about high street crime. A recent spate of crimes on Low Fell high street has left some businesses potentially having to close. With shop thefts up 40% in the past year alone, what will these very welcome measures do to lower crime on our high streets?"
Later he posted about the issue on social media, adding: "We're all absolutely disgusted by the burglaries in Low Fell. Today I asked the policing minister how the government's new package of reforms will tackle high street crime, so we can protect local retail [and] hospitality, and bring the vile criminals responsible to justice."
In response to his question, Dame Diana said: "High streets are the lifeblood of our local communities. We want to ensure they are as safe as possible, and that businesses are not suffering losses through shop thefts and assaults on their workers.
"Our package of measures will deal with antisocial behaviour, put in place the neighbourhood policing guarantee, allow new prosecutions under the legislation we will introduce about assaults on retail workers, and get rid of the £200 threshold for shop theft cases to go forward.
"One approach will not solve the problems, so we will ensure we have a whole package of measures to make high streets, neighbourhoods and communities safer and to allow businesses to thrive. We need businesses to thrive so that they can pay their taxes, and we can invest that money back into public services."
Earlier this week, the police said officers believe that the reports of burglaries at businesses, which include the Beaconsfield Pub and independent butcher D.E. Gorham Butchers, were linked.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police encouraged anyone with information to get in touch, saying: "Anyone with information about the burglaries should send us a direct message on social media, use the live chat function or form on our website. For those unable to contact us via those ways, call 101."
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