THE landlady of a local pub has spoken of her anger after her business was among those targeted by thieves.

The Swinburne Arms, in Stamfordham, was among five businesses in Tynedale which were hit during a series of overnight raids.

Swinburne Arms landlady, Anne Gormanley, said: “They came in through the kitchen window and took money and cigarettes, but most of it is stored away so they didn’t take much.

“The worst part is the thought they they were downstairs and I was awake upstairs, and didn’t hear anything.

“We’ve got CCTV and handed that over to the police. From the footage it looks like they came about five minutes after the staff left, so they’d been watching.

“The police said that they’d probably been in for a drink, which is horrible. You’re welcoming to people and then they do something like this.”

Thieves targeted shops and pubs between Friday, July 6 and Monday, July 9, making off with cash, cigarettes, and other items.

Police believe the incidents were linked and are appealing for information as they carry out inquiries.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said: “Thieves are targeting various businesses in the area and we would urge the public to get in touch with any information which could help our investigation.

“Extra patrols have been tasked to the areas affected so please speak to an officer if you have any concerns.

“We would ask the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”

The Wheatsheaf and Angel Hotels in Corbridge, Prudhoe Town Football Club, and Wylam’s Co-op store were all targeted as well as the Swinburne Arms.

Police said there had been no incidents since the initial spate, but inquiries were continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, quoting reference 717 07/07/18, or contact Tynedale Neighbourhood Policing Teams.