Warning as burglars target Hartlepool shops before trying to sell stolen meat to other traders

HARTLEPOOL, County Durham — Cleveland Police have issued an urgent warning to local businesses and independent traders following a series of commercial burglaries targeting food retailers across the Hartlepool area.

According to crime prevention officers, thieves have been breaking into supermarkets, local shops, and butchers to steal large quantities of high-value meat products. Suspects have subsequently attempted to offload the stolen goods by selling them directly to other local businesses, including takeaways, pubs, and restaurants.

Police have advised business owners to be extremely cautious and to never purchase stock from individuals who are not recognized, official sales representatives. Beyond the legal implications of buying stolen goods, officers highlighted significant public health risks, noting that the storage, transport, and temperature conditions of the stolen meat cannot be verified.

Business owners and members of the public who are approached with suspicious, cut-price offers on meat products are urged to report the incident to Cleveland Police immediately to assist with their ongoing investigations.