A FAMILY is devastated after their business which only opened up again a month ago was broken into.
Thieves targeted Snips Hair and Beauty Salon on St Michael's Trading Estate, Bridport, throwing a brick through the window before grabbing two cash boxes and a jar of raffle money.
As well as the money, one of the cash boxes contained a cross necklace given to the granddaughter of the salon's owner as a christening present seven years ago.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to the burglary which happened some time between 3pm on Thursday, May 13 and 8am the next day when staff arrived for work.
The salon reopened on April 12 after being closed for months due to lockdown restrictions.
Beauty therapist at the salon Jodie Gruitt said her seven-year-old daughter Ava-Mai was left 'hugely upset' after the necklace was stolen in the raid.
Jodie - the daughter of salon owner Teresa Sheppard - said she put her daughter's necklace in her cash box five days before it was stolen as she was sure it would be safe in there.
She said: "I was walking in town with Ava-Mai and she said that her necklace was digging in so instead of putting it in my bag I nipped into the salon and put it in the cash box thinking it would be safe there.
"I felt sick when I found out there had been a break-in and that the necklace was stolen. Ava-Mai is hugely upset as it was a gift from her godmother. She can't understand why someone would take it.
"The necklace cost £80 so it wasn't massively expensive but it holds great sentimental value. It is made for a child so it won't even fit the robbers or whoever they might try and sell it to. I just wish they would give it back."
She added: "It seems like whoever broke in smashed the window and then leaned through and grabbed whatever they could and it's just so unlucky that they could reach the cash boxes.
"We only reopened the salon on April 12 after being closed for months so to have had money stolen is shocking."
PC Neil Gauden, of Bridport Police, said: "I am carrying out a number of enquiries into this burglary to identify who was responsible.
"I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area during the relevant timeframe to please get in touch.
"Finally, I would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a small silver chain matching the description given for sale locally in unusual circumstances. This was of sentimental value to the victim and I am really keen to locate it."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210075707. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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