A BARBER was forced to shut up shop after a burglar stole his hairdressing equipment.

Norman Hayden’s scissors, electric clippers, combs and two distinctive, old-style cut-throat razors were stolen between 5pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday.

Even the clock was taken off the wall and a book of charity lottery tickets lifted after the burglar smashed through a wooden cellar door at Norman’s Hairdressers in Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.

Mr Hayden, 64, said: “I came in Tuesday morning with a customer. The steriliser was open and I thought, ‘did I do that on Saturday?’ “But it was empty and I knew then somebody had been in.”

Mr Hayden said he was bewildered by the theft, which left him unable to open for two days until he could replace essentials.

The Great Harwood resident said: “Who are they going to sell them to? The police are worried about the cut-throat razors. They’re dangerous in the wrong hands. They belonged to my old boss so I can never replace them.”

Mr Hayden, who has been a barber for 45 years, stopped selling hair products some time ago and leaves the empty till open at night, along with the blinds, so passers-by can see there is nothing of value.

He added: “I can understand stealing money but I can’t understand them stopping me working. They will get £20, if that, for the items.”

PC Shelley Baines said: “I appeal to anyone who has any information to contact us.

“In particular, I want to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity or has perhaps been offered similar items for sale in the last few days.”

Call 101 and quote log number LC-20131001-0248, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.