Shoplifters swiped £4k of hair gear

A pair of raiders swiped more than £4,000 worth of highend gear from a hair and beauty stockist.

The shoplifters, who had been targeting businesses across the country, hit Salon Services, in Hillington Business Park, twice and stole hair extensions, hair straighteners, toiletries and scissors.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard William Lawson, 60, and Helen Findlay, 53, were caught after staff at the store noticed items had vanished from their display area after the same group of people had been in the store.

Fiscal depute Owen McGinty said: “A senior member of staff noticed hair extensions seemed to be missing and made inquiries with the staff within the premises.

“They viewed CCTV taken at the time and two females and one male were seen to enter the store. They remained for a short time and took items.

“The matter was reported as theft and police were contacted.”

The fiscal said three days later the shoplifters returned to the same branch and this time made off with other products from the shelves.

He said: “A member of staff, who had viewed the CCTV, was in the salon when the same people entered and she immediately identified them as the same people who had been in before.

“She contacted her colleague who called police.

“The three accused had left the store.

“The member of staff followed them outside and saw them get into a car and drive off.”

The fiscal added the raiders had taken more than £2,000 worth of gear on each of the days they hit the store.

The court heard cops learned of similar raids at other salons, and were able to identify Lawson, who was known to police.

Lawson, of Arden Avenue, and Findlay, of Nethercairn Road, both Glasgow, pleaded guilty to charges of stealing a quantity of items including hair straighteners, hair extensions, toiletries and scissors from Salon Services, Hillington Business Park, on January 24 and January 27 last year.

Co- accused Pamela Lawson, of Carnwadric Road, Glasgow, had her not guilty plea to the charges accepted.

Defence agent Mr Clark asked the court to spare Lawson jail as he was already subject to three court orders, which he appeared to be complying with.

Defence agent Rhona Lynch urged the court to hand her client Findlay a community-based disposal to allow her the chance to make good for conduct.

Sheriff Lyndsey Kooner deferred sentence on Lawson for two months to await a conduct review before deciding his punishment.

She handed Findlay 162 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months.