Window smashed as Preston hairdressers suffers break-in just a week after reopening

The hair salon, on Garstang Road, saw the robbers smash the front window with a brick to allow them access into the premises.

The break-in was discovered by local contractors who were living above the store during their time working on the new Starbucks coffee at the docks, at 6.30 on Thursday morning.

Owner Sheldon Ward said: "I came straight onto the scene to see they had gained entry by throwing a cobble through the side window to open a latch on the front door. They had climbed through and were brazen about the break in because we are on a main road where there are numerous businesses and a lot of police.

"By all accounts, a local neighbour saw someone suspicious in the area that day and there had also been a shady character coming to our salon wanting to sell hairdressing products. I suspect he saw the laptop on the desk and thought there would be more money in the salon because it has been such a busy time for us.

"Luckily there was just loose change and petty cash which they took, gaining entry from the main road and then escaping through the back window. I want to make all hairdressers aware that they could be targeted at this moment in time."

Hairdressers were among other businesses given the green light to welcome customers back through their doors last Saturday.

The Coronavirus pandemic left people desperate for a post-lockdown haircut across the country, with salon owner Sheldon left feeling "stabbed in the back" after a busy week of custom.

"The perpetrator was calculated. The forensics said that he wore gloves, so there are no fingerprints. We believe that he is clearly a professional and someone who commits crime regularly.

"This is an absolutely a massive blow to us. Since reopening, we have been busy as it is and now we have the upheaval of all the glazing and locks to be replace. It just compounds the intensity that we are already going through.

"I'm a positive person and now want to just brush ourselves down and carry on as normal, but it is just another stab in the back with this whole situation. We are now remaining professional to our clients and moving forward."

Sheldon, along with partner Lesley, are hopeful that someone may have information and will come forward.

A spokesperson from the Lancashire Police said: "We were called at 6.35am to reports of a burglary overnight at a commercial premises on Garstang Road, Preston.

"Unknown offenders have gained entry by smashing a window with a brick, before stealing cash, a laptop and clippers. They have then exited via a window at the rear of the premises.

"No arrests have been made and any witnesses are asked to call police on 101, quoting log LC-20200708-0167."