A convenience store in Forest Hall has been targeted in an attempted break-in less than three weeks after it opened. The incident, which caused damage to external shutters and a window, occurred at about 03:30 on Saturday, according to the owner.
What happened
Go Local on Glebe Road was broken into — or more accurately, attacked — in the early hours but those responsible were unable to force full entry. Owner Raja Yagyanarayanan arrived at the shop within 15 minutes of being alerted and discovered the shutters smashed and a window damaged. CCTV footage, later taken by police, reportedly showed three people attempting to gain access.
"I'm upset. It's my first business, I've put all my effort into it."
No goods were reported stolen and the suspects had left the scene by the time the owner arrived. The damaged window was temporarily boarded up and the shop was open as normal later that morning.
Police response and ongoing investigation
Northumbria Police attended the scene and have opened an investigation. Officers recovered CCTV footage from the premises; ChronicleLive reported that police had been at the shop earlier on Saturday and were investigating the attempted break-in. There has been no public statement from the force in the source material beyond that attendance and enquiries.
Local context
The store only opened on 1 July. Its arrival followed a contentious local licensing process: a petition opposing an alcohol licence for the premises gathered around 500 signatures prior to opening, the owner said. The attempted break-in has therefore come at an anxious time for the new business and for neighbours watching a new retailer establish itself on Glebe Road.
- Time of incident: c. 03:30
- Number of suspects seen on CCTV: three
- Damage: shutters and window smashed; no reported theft
- Owner: Raja Yagyanarayanan
- Police action: investigation opened; CCTV taken
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Shop | Go Local, Glebe Road, Forest Hall |
| Opening date | 1 July |
| Incident | Attempted break-in; damage to shutters/window |
| Theft | None reported |
The owner described the experience as upsetting, noting this is his first business venture and that he had invested significant effort into it. For neighbours and small-business owners across North Tyneside, the episode underlines the vulnerability that new enterprises can face.
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Northumbria Police; the source material indicates officers are handling enquiries and have the store's CCTV as part of their investigation.
Further updates will follow as police release more information or make arrests.
