Thieves target beauty salon in Royal Wootton Bassett (From Swindon Advertiser)

Thieves target beauty salon in Royal Wootton Bassett

6:00pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News By Emma Dunn

A BEAUTY therapist has spoken of her upset after thieves stole £300 in cash from a locked drawer in reception.

Annette Luker, who works at Body Beauty by Bernice, in Royal Wootton Bassett, had stepped into another room for a few minutes when two women entered.

When Annette returned to reception she saw the two women leaving – but by the time she realised the cash and several cheques had gone it was too late.

“It took me a few minutes to come through from the back. I saw them when they were at the top of the stairs and were just about to leave,” said the 31-year-old.

“I asked if I could help them and one of them asked if we had any hair dye, which we don’t.

“I could just tell from their body language something was wrong. I only realised the money and cheques were gone when they left.”

The cheques have been cancelled but the cash has not been recovered.

Annette has worked with the police to create an e-fit picture of the woman who asked for the hair dye, who was white with long dark hair and was about 20-years-old.

The other woman was the same age but had dyed red hair. Both were wearing dark clothing.

“I think they knew what they were doing. I didn’t recognise them but if they had been here before they might have known that was where the money was,” added Annette.

“We have made a lot of changes since it happened. It used to be a lot more obvious where the money was but it’s not now. We have taken steps to make sure it won’t happen again.

“It shook me up a bit at the time. It’s just frustrating that someone thinks it is okay to do that.”

The incident took place at about 2.30pm on November 29.

PC Nick Spargo, community beat manager for the area, said: “Town centre CCTV picks the two females up as they are walking up the High Street past St Bartholomew's Church and can be seen running off down Wood Street to make their escape.

“Enquiries with local businesses which have CCTV cameras have unfortunately been exhausted at this point, hence the next step of the investigation is the artist impression in the hope that someone will recognise the female and assist us with the necessary information to progress the enquiry.

“One local female has been questioned in relation to this but the investigation is ongoing at this moment in time.

“We had a call from someone with information but the number they left does not work. We are asking that person to please either call us again or leave a message on the NPT email address, which is nptwoottonbassett@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should phone Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.