Police officers are appealing for information and are warning people not to buy medication from untrusted sources after controlled drugs were stolen from a pharmacy in South Tyneside.

The theft is reported to have taken place from Boustead Chemist on Albert Road in Jarrow at around 12.40am on Saturday (December 27) morning.

The medical drugs are reported to have been stolen from Boustead Chemist on Albert Road in Jarrow. | Google

placeholder image — The medical drugs are reported to have been stolen from Boustead Chemist on Albert Road in Jarrow. | Google

It was reported that offenders had forced entry to the premises in the early hours and caused damage inside, before leaving the area.

A quantity of medication – understood to be Morphine Sulphate and Oxycodone – was found to have been stolen during the break-in.

An investigation has been launched by Northumbria Police, with officers also warning people not to take the medication.

Superintendent Lynne Colledge, of Northumbria Police, said: “We’re carrying out a number of enquiries into this report, which has taken place in the early hours of Saturday.

“We are now appealing for information which might assist our investigation – while also warning the public against taking the medication if it comes into their possession.”

Supt Colledge added: “Unless you have been properly prescribed medication by your doctor or your pharmacy, you can never be sure what substances contain and what impact they could have on you.

“It is important that any medication which is found is disposed of in a safe manner and not left in public.

“It can be taken into a nearby police station and handed in.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Northumbria Police on social media or via the report it form on their website.

You can also call 101 and reference number: NP-20251227-0042.