A Sunderland vape shop that became a target for looters during the August riots is finally reopening, more than two months after suffering extensive damages and losses. Vape Local, located in the city center, fell victim to a violent outbreak during what began as a peaceful protest but quickly spiraled into chaos.
A Nightmare Unfolds Amid Riot Chaos
On the night of August 2, Sunderland erupted into violence, with rioters setting vehicles and buildings on fire while looters ran amok, breaking into businesses across the city. Footage of the night quickly spread across social media, capturing thugs smashing windows and ransacking stores. Vape Local was hit particularly hard, suffering thousands of pounds in damages.
- Damage Summary:
- Front window shattered multiple times
- Media screens and glass doors smashed
- Product stock room looted repeatedly
- Counters dented and signage damaged
Jackie Reed, a staff member at Vape Local, described the devastation: “It was awful watching the footage back. Groups of people kept coming, smashing glass, and looting. As soon as the police dispersed one group, another would arrive to continue the destruction.”
Financial and Emotional Toll on Vape Local
The shop had only been open for four weeks before the riots devastated the premises, forcing it to close. Vape Local estimates the total damage and loss of stock to be around £25,000, not including the loss of trade during the two-month closure.
Jackie explained how heart-wrenching it was to see children participating in the looting: “It made me sick seeing young kids in balaclavas come in, take products, and drop them when they realized it wasn’t what they expected. They likely sold the rest of the stock.”
- Loss Breakdown:
- £25,000 in damages, stolen stock, and lost earnings
- Ongoing expenses for replacing equipment and counters
- Loss of trade for over two months
Despite the setbacks, Vape Local managed to retain its employees by relocating them to other locations to ensure they did not lose income during the closure.
Security Upgrades and Reopening Preparations
The shop has undergone a full renovation to improve security and prevent future incidents. The new front features a three-pane window to replace the single-pane glass that was destroyed, alongside a reinforced door.
Luke Edgar, another staff member, highlighted how looters targeted the stock room: “They found the storage area and helped themselves to handfuls of product. It was devastating to see.”
With the repairs now complete, the staff at Vape Local are eager to welcome customers back. Jackie expressed hope that the store’s compliance with regulations and commitment to security will restore confidence among their clientele: “We’re very strict on compliance, and we’ve taken every measure to prevent anything like this from happening again.”
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
