Business owners in Wickford have been left horrified following repeated break-ins costing thousands in repair costs.
Temme English, an estate agent in the Broadway, and Into Hair, in Runwell Road, both suffered break-ins in the early hours of Monday that left them with smashed windows and thousands of pounds of damage.
Into Hair has suffered four break-ins in the past four years, while Temme English suffering three break-ins this year alone – each attempt leaving them with smashed windows and a huge bill.
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Police have launched an appeal to speak to a suspect believed to be about 30 years old, 5ft 11in tall, of slim build and who had a beard.
He was wearing a cap, white puffed jacket, red gloves and trainers.
Police also believe other businesses were burgled in the area around this time, and are encouraging any of those affected to report this.
Emily Marlow, manager at Into Hair, has been left furious at the latest incident, with the repeated break-ins damaging the hairdressers’ finances after more than 40 years spent in Wickford – the last break-in being Christmas Eve 2023.
Emily said: “We got smashed into, through our window again, this has happened a few times and we have huge windows.
“They didn’t take anything, last time they took the till when they broke into us.
“It is ridiculous, we are used to getting broken into and the windows were a thousand pounds. It is putting up our insurance by crazy amounts, we don’t leave anything in the shop.
“It is damaging our finances, having the wood put up around our windows and people keep calling thinking we are closed and believing that we have closed, as you do when you see a shop boarded up.
“We have been open for 40 years, it puts a strain on us and people don’t want to move to a ‘rough’ area.”
Temme English branch manager, Andy Donnelly, has been left frustrated by the latest break-in but still believes Wickford is a good town with a good community.
He said: “A man came up with a brick and smashed the window, then stole a digital camera.
“The cost of the window is around three or four thousand, maybe even five.
“It is frustrating, it really is and we have to go through the hassle of getting it boarded up and getting a new glass fitter, we are having to look at getting shutter blinds, shutting away our advertisements.”
Police inspector Christopher Simpson said: “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and we are following up several lines of enquiry to identify the suspect in this burglary.
“If you have any information, or if you have also been a victim of burglary on Monday morning, please get in touch.”
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