CROOKS ransacked a hairdressers and tried to break into another salon.

Thousands of pounds of equipment was stolen from Love Ur Hair in Eld Lane, Colchester.

The crooks tried to saw off padlocks to get into Faces as well, but failed.

Business owners have called for better CCTV after a spate of incidents in the area.

Faruk Ekin, who has owned Love Ur Hair for four years, said: “They trashed the place.

“The girl who found it was crying.

We lost half a day’s business and the things stolen or damaged cost more than £4,000.”

The burglars broke in through the back of the store and went from room to room smashing cameras and hard drives.

They stole a television, safes, large amounts of stock and damaged much more.

Mr Ekin said: “It is disgraceful, horrible behaviour and we are devastated.

“It is the last thing a small business like us needs.

“The police have been good, but we need anyone who saw or heard something to come forward.”

Police have appealed for information following the raid between Tuesday at 9pm and Wednesday at 9am, last week.

Wayne Hudson, manager of Faces, said: “Last year we lost about £3,000 in stock and damage so we increased security.

“This time, they tried to use a hacksaw to break through, but fortunately they couldn’t get in.”

The break-ins come in the same month as a raid at nearby Geller’s Butchers in St John’s Street. Harry Ramsamy, from SMS Newsagents on Scheregate Steps, said: “We are all very worried.

People keep on trying to get in and they cause so much damage and are not picked up on CCTV.”

Anyone with information call Colchester police on 101.