A wig shop owner today appealed for the return of his prized work after a smash and grab raid.

Thieves broke the front window of Wigs Direct in York Road, Southend, and made off with a display of at least 24 wigs and hairpieces.

One of the stolen items included a made-to-measure floor-length wig which was often hired by costumiers for Lady Godiva characters.

To make matters worse, the firm only moved from Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, into the new shop two weeks ago.

Shop owner David Gordon said: "Most of the front window display was stolen but we are still counting exactly how many wigs and hairpieces are missing. The security cameras nearby are being checked by police.

"All types of wigs were stolen from men's hairpieces, women's wigs and fashion wigs. This was the last thing we needed. We will have to step up our security and get shutters installed now. It's so upsetting and annoying."

The shop, which stocks a couple of thousand hairpieces, sells half-price wigs all year round priced from £5 up to £375, and caters for National Health customers right through to private coiffeurs.

Mr Gordon, 50, said: "The floor-length blonde wig was a particular favourite. A tabletop dancer once hired it so that not too much was revealed during her striptease routine.

"Many of the wigs take around three weeks to make, so our customers will be inconvenienced by the break-in. The wigs are not even any use to anyone else as most of them are made-to-measure."

Mr Gordon has put up a £100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the thieves.

Anyone who can help should contact Southend crime management unit on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

(Right) Uncovered - David Gordon blew his top

(Left) Floor length wig - favourite with strippers

First picture: MIKE BELLENIE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.