The ugly side of the beauty business as salon is raided
ORNAMENTAL STATUE USED TO BREAK IN
THIEVES left a trail of destruction after smashing their way into a salon - with an ornamental stone dog.
Samantha Byrne was devastated when she arrived to openup her Whitley Bay business to find it had been burgled.
The crooks forced their way in to Sammy Anne’s Beauty and Holistic Therapies through a PVC door before helping themselves to cash, products and a mobile phone.
They left behind piles of shattered glass, grubby fingerprints and a stone dog with a broken ear, which appears to have been used to get inside the building.
Samantha, who had a full diary of massage and beauty sessions on Monday until the break-in, had to quickly contact customers to rearrange their appointments.
And as police continue to hunt the thieves, she has told of her anger.
The 27-year-old said: “They had smashed through my UPVC doors, broke my cupboard doors and there was glass everywhere.
“It was horrendous knowing that someone had been in your space that wasn’t invited.
“I just don’t know why people target small businesses that can’t bounce back so easily.”
The break-in happened sometime between Saturday evening, when Samantha closed and Monday. It came as a big blow to therapist Samantha, who has spent the past year doing-up her salon, and caused inconvenience to customers who had their preChristmas appointments booked.
“This year I have had a lot of work done and I had got the shop exactly how I wanted it,” said Samantha.
“And I had to cancel all the appointments on Monday. Everyone was really lovely about it, but I don’t want to let people down.
“I had to work 8am until 9.30pm to fit everyone in on Tuesday.”
Samantha believes the intruders must have stolen the dog from someone’s garden specifically to use in the break-in, and she would now like to reunite it with its owner.
A Northumbria Police spokesman has confirmed officers are investigating the break-in, and would like to hear from witnesses.
He said: “We can confirm that we are investigating a report of burglary at a business premises on Whitley Road, Whitley Bay.
“At some point between 7pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday individuals gained access to Sammy Anne’s Beauty and Holistic Therapies and stole items including a laptop and cash.
“An investigation is underway to trace those responsible.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police.”
Call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 190 031218 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”