A HAIRDRESSER is warning other businesses to take extra precautions after she was targeted in a petty crimewave.

Tracey Cronshaw, who owns Millie's Hair Salon, in Jer Lane, Horton Bank Top, Bradford, had just built her new business back up after arson and graffiti attacks when burglars broke into the premises.

The raiders broke the padlock on her metal security gate and smashed the front door window before stealing a cash box containing £110.

Miss Cronshaw, 28, said she was relieved that the villains had left behind expensive hair styling equipment, but concerned that criminals could strike again.

She said: "Police have told me there have been a lot of incidents of petty crime around the area. There is a bit of a crime spree and I want to raise awareness."

The hairdresser opened her salon about four years ago but within a couple of weeks substantial damage was caused to the premises in an arson attack.

The following year red paint was sprayed on the front of the shop.

Miss Cronshaw said: "It took an awful lot of hard work to rebuild the business but I have managed to do it, with a lot of loyal support from my customers.

"I don't believe the burglary is linked in any way, but I am concerned. My salon is as protected as it could be, but with a lot of crime in the area, the threat of them coming back is significant. It is worrying."

Miss Cronshaw employs one female hairdresser.

She said: "It's quite worrying sometimes, but you have to keep battling on. I'm certainly not going to move premises. I don't think I should have to change location because of petty crime.

"Hopefully, police will be able to step up and be more vigilant. I think they could have alerted premises to be more vigilant.

"It has been hard work with difficult times economically. This doesn't help. It does dishearten you and put you off, but it also makes you stronger."

Sergeant Paul Wharton, of the Bradford South Area Neighbourhood Team, said: "We would advise owners of commercial premises to consider simple steps which may prevent their businesses from being burgled.

"Things like removing high value items from window displays, making sure all cash is removed before locking up and leaving empty tills open and clearly visible are likely to make any potential burglar lose interest.

"Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Jer Lane area on the evening of January 15, or the early hours of January 16, is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

For more crime prevention advice, please contact your local Neighbourhood Area Team on 101 or see the Help and Advice page on the West Yorkshire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk.

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