A SALON owner has spoken of her distress after burglars struck.
About £16,000 of equipment was found taken in the raid on Chiq Hair and Beauty Studios, Church Street, Flint.
Staff arrived at work on Friday to find their town centre business had been broken into overnight.
Items missing include a laser machine and a laptop, with the theft of vital equipment meaning appointments had to be cancelled on Friday.
“We are absolutely devastated,” said Sharon Ledward, who owns the salon with husband David.
“The way I feel at the moment is our business has been ruined. We have worked so hard and it has taken us years to build this up.
“It is so unfair that someone would do this.”
Mrs Ledward believes those responsible broke in through a locked window. They also caused damage to a wooden frame when breaking into the salon’s beauty room and tiles came off a wall.
Speaking just hours the break-in, Mrs Ledward said: “I am not just upset for me but for everyone who works and comes here.
“I have been to see the other businesses near us to warn them this has happened.
“We have had to turn customers away because of this and it is all distressing.
“It looks like whoever did this knew how to carry out something like this, they have taken so much.”
Mrs Ledward said the business is insured against the thefts and damage.
Police were at the salon on Friday after the break-in was reported and ask anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.