C-store takes on dog thieves

Dog thefts have increased by almost a fifth during lockdown – with up to seven pets being reported stolen each day in 2020.

The husband and wife team and dog their Marley, who took over running the store in December 2020, allow dogs in store to avoid any risk of them being stolen.

Jeff Manship told the Sunderland Echo: “We are dog-friendly. I wouldn’t want to leave my dog tied up outside a shop, someone can just walk by and they’re gone.

“We always have a bowl outside, to make sure they can have a drink if they’ve just come off the beach. A lot of regulars come in with a treat for Marley.”