Call for action as Chichi beauty salon becomes latest Castleton break-in target

Chichi beauty salon owner Gemma Wilkinson

Councillor Billy Sheerin is calling for action after another Castleton business was targeted by burglars last night (Wednesday 16 March).

The thieves forced their way into Chichi Nail Tan & Beauty Salon on Manchester Road some time after 9.30pm, before making off with the cash register and thousands of pounds worth of stock.

The news follows other similar crimes in the village, including a break in at The Old Post Office Ale House last week, a break in at the Co-op the week before, and an attempted break in on Heywood Road before the perpetrators were frightened off by dogs.

Chichi owner Gemma Wilkinson fears she was targeted because she had advertised having a lot of stock ready for the salon’s eight-year anniversary on 1 April. She said: “I got a call early this morning to say my front door was open and I just knew. I threw clothes on as fast as I could and got to the salon and everything had been taken.

“It’s so unfair. These people have taken everything from me right before we were supposed to be celebrating. I put it all over that we were buying loads of things and getting ready, I think that might be why they targeted us.

“There is obviously something going on at the moment around here. They have to be found.”

Councillor Billy Sheerin said that enough is enough, and is working hard with the police to find out who is behind the recent spate. He said: “Obviously there are criminals in Castleton and they need taking out of circulation. I had a one-to-one meeting with the police to discuss everything that’s been going on.

“The Co-op has had it more than once, The Old Post Office Ale House just after opening, and now this salon. It appears there are some similarities with all of them and its being seriously considered that they are connected.

“Perhaps someone in the village knows who they are. We need to keep a lookout for anyone who is behaving unusually, anyone who is bragging or seems to have something they shouldn’t. This has to stop.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “A burglary was reported to us at 7.20am at Chichi Nail Tan & Beauty Salon. £100 was taken from the cash register and stock.”

“Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4087, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”