A corner shop in a Newcastle village is being plagued by “intimidating and aggressive behaviour” after being repeatedly targeted by thieves.

Rachel Locke, chair of Hazlerigg Parish Council, has called for action to protect staff and customers at the One Stop in Coach Lane.

The store has reportedly become a regular target for criminals, sparking concern among the village community.

One Stop told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was taking the matter “very seriously” and had requested to meet with police, while security guards have been spotted outside the shop.

Coun Locke said she was “shocked and saddened that this criminal behaviour is going on in our village”.

She added: “We are concerned for the safety and wellbeing of the One Stop staff who have to put up with this intimidating and aggressive behaviour and the residents who have been in the shop when this has been happening.

“We have spoken with both shop managers in the village and have raised concerns with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Tesco, who run One Stop, as well as Castle Ward councillors.”  Coun Locke called for stronger action from law enforcement authorities to put a stop to the incidents.

She said: “Although police presence has increased in response to these incidents and arrests have been made, the current system clearly is not working.

“We would like to reassure residents that we will be doing all we can to work with the authorities, elected representatives and Tesco to minimise the impact on everyone.”

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A One Stop spokesperson said that the company was “taking the theft incidents at our Hazlerigg store very seriously and we have a variety of plans in place to help protect our colleagues and customers”. 

They added: “We have requested a meeting with Northumbria Police to discuss the ongoing situation.”

Northumbria Police was contacted for a comment.