BURGLARS have targeted salons to steal beauty products for Christmas presents, police said.

Officers said two incidents have taken place this week where perfume and hair straighteners and make up were stolen from salons.

Thieves who broke in to Blow Hairdressing in Oswaldtwistle overnight on Tuesday caused £1,000 worth of damage and cost the business another £1,000 in stolen items and lost business.

A similar burglary took place at Pasha Nails and Beauty on Infant Street, Accrington at around 4.45am on Thursday. Thieves forced open the metal roller shutters and caused extensive damage to the front door to access the salon.

Burglars then made off with a Sanyo 36inch LCD TV, 30 bottles of Hanae Mori perfume, six Mineral make up sets and two Rocky Eyes Smokey Eye Kits.

Dannielle Bridges, who owns Blow Hairdressing, said: “It has cost us a day’s business at the busiest time of year and thousands in damage and lost goods. These thieves have cause havoc for us, and yet will probably only get a few quid for used straighteners down the pub. I just think who would want burgled goods for their Christmas present? I hope people let the police know if they are offered anything like this for sale. It’s disgraceful.”

Staff at the Thwaites Road salon found the property’s eight foot by five foot window had been smashed and items were missing. Thieves took five used GHD straighteners, one set of new and boxed GHD straighteners, Tigi Hair products, and a small safe which was empty.

PC Roger Brindle said: “We only see this type of burglary in December, when thieves are looking for items that can be used as Christmas presents. It has hit these small businesses really hard and I would urge the public to help us trace the people who have done this.”

Anyone with information can contact Accrington Police on 01254 51212, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.