Stuart Curtis charged with burglary after Darlington Market break-in

Stuart Curtis was charged with burglary and appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (August 5).

The 30-year-old of Reeth Place, Newton Aycliffe, did not enter any pleas and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear before the same court on Wednesday (August 9) afternoon for a bail hearing.

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Police were alerted to the break in after alarms and CCTV systems went off at 1.45am.

Curtis was later arrested and taken into police custody before being charged.

On Friday staff were seen waiting outside the market while investigators began their inquiries.

Trader Sides, which only opened at the market on June 1, told The Northern Echo it believed cash had been taken. It was able to reopen a short time later.

A 'Please do not enter' sign outside Sides in Darlington before forensic officers arrived at the scene. (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

Manager Ory Vanes told The Northern Echo: “We own sides and PP’s but sides was the only one affected.

“We don’t know what has gone on so we can’t really comment on how it has happened, but we have been broken into and by the looks of it they have taken some cash.”

Jon Mullen from neighbouring trader SpudGun said: “Luckily we don’t seem to have had anything taken.

“I don’t know how they’ve got in because it’s all locked up overnight.”

Staff at The Bumble Crumble said they had arrived at 7.30am but had only been allowed into their premises at 10am.

A spokesperson for Market Asset Management, which manages Darlington Market, said last week: “After an intruder’s presence was noted at 1.46am on Friday morning our alarm system was activated and immediately notified Darlington Borough Council’s CCTV and Security Control Centre.

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“They in turn notified the police who were quickly on the scene, and we understand apprehended a suspect a short time later. We are grateful for the quick response of both the council team and Durham Constabulary.

“The tenant is working with the police to identify any losses but thankfully no damage was caused to any units.

“The incident meant we had to delay opening until 10.30am to allow for police forensics to be undertaken and we are immensely grateful for the patience, support, understanding and cooperation of all our wonderful traders and customers.”