Christchurch hair salons are being targeted in a string of smash-and-grab burglaries, with thieves stealing high-end styling tools and hair products worth thousands of dollars.
Salon owners say a wave of break-ins in recent weeks has hit businesses across the city, with GHD straighteners, premium hairdryers, and other easily resold items appearing to be the main focus.
The most recent attempted burglary occurred late on Friday 11th October, at a group of shops in Marshland.
Read more: Christchurch hair salon burgled by thieves in string of similar incidents
Police were called to Raranga Street around 10:30pm after reports that four businesses at the corner of Raranga and Te Korari Streets had been targeted, a spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media.
One of the shops, a hair salon, was broken into using a crowbar, but the offenders were unsuccessful in gaining entry.
Mane Hair Boutique Prestons owner Lucy Miller, speaking to Chris Lynch Media, said her hair salon business is the latest target.
“There’s a team of thieves at the moment targeting hairdressing salons around Christchurch,” she said. “I know of salons in Parklands, Redwood, Belfast, Kaiapoi, Rutland Street, and Avonhead that have already been hit.”
Miller added that in her case, four other businesses on the same block were broken into on the same night, with the offenders only managing to steal cash.
“It’s disconcerting and heartbreaking, especially in this current economic climate where small business owners, whether in salons or retail, are really feeling the pressure,” she said.
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Miller is also calling for tougher consequences for offenders, particularly repeat youth offenders.
“These thieves need to be stopped. Australia has introduced an ‘adult crime, adult time’ policy, and I believe New Zealand should adopt something similar.
“Too often, it seems like the young offenders responsible for these crimes just get a slap on the wrist and are back at it again. That needs to change.”
Police have confirmed that enquiries into the series of burglaries are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
