Two Women Arrested After Six Windows Smashed in Shambles Sweet Shop Raid

YORK — An investigation has been launched by North Yorkshire Police following a destructive commercial burglary at the iconic Shambles Sweet Shop, located on York's world-famous medieval street, The Shambles.

Officers were alerted to the incident in the early hours of Monday, 5 January 2026. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered that six windows of the historic shop had been smashed, and interior shelving had been completely removed. The visual impact on the historic timber-framed shopfront, which attracts thousands of tourists weekly, caused immediate concern among local residents and neighboring business owners.

Specialist forensic examinations were carried out at the premises throughout the morning to gather evidence. Following rapid inquiries, police officers arrested two women in their 40s shortly after 12:00 PM on suspicion of burglary. The suspects were taken into custody for questioning.

In a positive turn of events, officers recovered the vast majority of the stolen stock and property, returning it to the shop's owner. A statement from North Yorkshire Police noted that the recovery 'hit the sweet spot' for the responding officers.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area overnight, to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12260002194.