A Darlington sweet shop owner has thanked the community after his business was the victim of a burglary.

Andy Raine, 49, owner of Andy’s Candy Bar on Duke Street, said he has been left very grateful following the support offered to his business by both the community and police.

This comes after his shop was burgled at around 1:45am on Wednesday (August 21).

Durham Police confirmed the suspects forced entry and stole the till as well as a large amount of stock before driving away.

(Image: Chris Booth)

(Image: Chris Booth)

Mr Raine said his business is now looking to move past the incident and move towards the future.

He said: “You speak to these people day-to-day, you don’t really think too much of it. It’s only when something really goes wrong, you realise how appreciated you are.

“It only takes something like this where people rally around [you] and show support. It’s quite incredible really that a lot of positive has come from a really rubbish situation.

“[The theft] was like a frenzy really. It’s just a bit disheartening that something like that happens to you, but you try and understand why these people do this and what situation they’re in.

(Image: Andy's Candy Bar)

“You get over it, you move on. We’re a positive business, we’re not here to be victims and let it get to us.

“We just keep ploughing on really, and doing what we do best.”

Mr Raine said the items stolen included the shop’s till, traditional sweet jars, American sweets, gift pouches, and drinks.

He estimated a couple of thousand pounds of stock was stolen during the incident.

Mr Raine praised the police and said they had been “fantastic” in their handling of the incident, reiterating his gratitude to the people of Darlington for their support.

(Image: Andy's Candy Bar)

A Durham Police spokesperson confirmed an investigation is underway following the burglary.

They said: “The break-in happened at around 1.45am yesterday (August 21) at the shop in Duke Street.

“The suspects forced entry to the premises and stole the till and a large amount of stock before driving away in a vehicle.

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“An investigation has been launched and officers would like to speak to anyone with information that could assist.

“Anyone who can help should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 48 of August 21, or contact us via our website at https://www.durham.police.uk/.

“Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”