A hair salon has been hit by burglars for the third time in six months.

Stephen Askew, manager of Headlines salon, has been forced to set up a direct alarm link with Chelmsford police station to keep the thieves out.

Mr Askew was completely cleaned out when burglars broke into the Broomfield Road salon, Chelmsford, by smashing the glass panelled front door sometime between Saturday night and Sunday mornin

He said they boxed up all the hair and beauty products he had on display and loaded them into a waiting car out at the back of the shop.

KMS hair products, Wella High Hair and Lifetex products worth up to £3,000 were stolen.

Mr Askew, 46, of Micawber Way, Chelmsford, said: "I've been completely cleaned out. All the shampoos, conditioners and finishing products I had on my shelves have been taken."

The latest break-in has prompted him to set up the direct police link which will cost £25 a month. He has also installed cameras and sensors.

The alarm will be linked to the control room at Chelmsford Police Station. If anyone breaks in it will alert police who will make their way to the salon.

Any information call police on 01245 491212

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002