Former employee burglarizes Newcastle department store

Security breach at Newcastle department store

According to an article published on 5 April 2025 by Chroniclelive, a former employee of the Fenwick department store in Newcastle has been sentenced for a series of burglaries. The 29-year-old man, who had his contract terminated shortly before Christmas, used his staff ID card and uniform to gain unauthorized access to the premises on seven separate occasions over a two-week period.

Chroniclelive reports that the individual stole electrical equipment, clothing, and handbags valued at over £8,000. His actions were discovered after a staff member noticed him attempting to take a vintage handbag that was not available for online orders. Security personnel subsequently reviewed CCTV footage, confirming the systematic thefts. When his access card was deactivated, the offender gained entry by tailgating other staff members.

Following a guilty plea to seven counts of burglary of a non-dwelling at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, the man received an 18-month community order with 300 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £300 in compensation. Businesses should ensure that access cards and security credentials are immediately revoked and collected upon the termination of any employee's contract.

Source : Chroniclelive