Heartless Theft: Charity Donation Buckets Stolen in Slatyford Bus Depot Break-In

NEWCASTLE — Northumbria Police are appealing for information after a heartless burglary at a Slatyford bus depot where an offender stole charity donation buckets raising funds for disabled children.

The break-in occurred at approximately 1:00 AM on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Stagecoach bus depot on Slatyford Lane. An unknown individual gained entry to the premises and targeted multiple charity boxes before fleeing the scene on foot. The stolen funds were destined for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, an organization that supports local children with disabilities, additional needs, and terminal illnesses across the North East.

The theft has had a significant impact, forcing Stagecoach to remove donation buckets from their buses for the remainder of December, leading to a substantial shortfall in their Christmas fundraising efforts. Traditionally, collections on Stagecoach buses raise around £10,000 annually to buy specialized equipment such as adapted trikes and sensory gear that are not covered by the NHS.

Police are actively conducting inquiries and have requested anyone with information, dashcam footage, or nearby security recordings from the Slatyford Lane area around the time of the incident to contact them. Information can be shared via Northumbria Police's online live chat or by calling 101, quoting reference number NP-20251207-0449. To help recoup the lost funds, the Sunshine Fund has also established an online JustGiving Christmas Appeal page.