A HAIRDRESSERS suffered a £4,000 break-in the day it opened after lockdown measures were eased.

Stefano Vittori, 31, has run a successful salon in Bristol for three years and has never been the victim of a burglary.

But on the day he was set to open his new hairdressers, Glitch, in The Lanes, Brighton, criminals stole thousands of pounds worth of items after smashing through the basement door.

The Argus:

It is reported the break-in happened at about 2.30am on Saturday, just hours before the excited hairdresser arrived at the building at 17 Brighton Square for the big opening.

He said: “It was heartbreaking and devastating, especially after everything that has happened with Covid.

“I love Brighton, I signed the lease just before coronavirus happened and even my friends and family were saying ‘don’t open’, but I’m a stubborn person.

The Argus:

“Then to find this on the first day was heartbreaking.”

It is believed two burglars made their way into the store by smashing their way through the basement door.

Once inside, Mr Vittori said they ransacked the business and stole several of expensive items.

The hairdressing boss said these included Pioneer DJ Decks worth about £1,600, a new iPad and keyboard worth £1,400 and a card-reader which took customer payments.

They are also said to have stolen £500 worth of men’s hair products, a projector which was set to show films to customers, a toolbox with a drill inside, as well as a colour scale.

Police said they were called to the premises shortly before 9am on Saturday morning.

Mr Vittori, a hairdresser since he was 19, said he tried to make sure the burglary did not ruin his opening day.

He said: “It was sad, but we did it.

“I got a new card reader and set it up on my phone as the iPad had been stolen.

“We are fully booked for two weeks.

“The people of Brighton have shown us fantastic support.”

A fundraiser to help the business replace stolen items has received more than £1,200 in donations.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Anyone who witnessed the burglary, saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time, or who has any other information about the matter is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 314 of 04/07.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”