A HOLE-in-the-wall gang used a sledgehammer to smash their way into – a hair salon.
The criminal technique, normally used to get into bank vaults, was used against Crimpers in Aberdeen.
The owners of the salon turned up for work on Monday to find a gigantic hole between their premises and the basement of flats next door.
But instead of escaping with millions in banknotes, bullion or jewellery, the well-groomed gang made off with a large amount of shampoo and conditioner.
Rachel Henderson, owner of the Beautylicious hair salon on Rosemount Viaduct, was devastated when she turned up to work and found the shop “upside-down”.
Miss Henderson, 24, said: “The people who did it went down to the basement level of the flats, it is a place mainly the maintenance go to. I don’t know how they would know about it.
“They managed to sledgehammer down the walls. Everything inside was upside down, but the front door was still locked.”
She added: “They haven’t managed to take the flat-screen TV or big computer. But they took several thousands of pounds worth of stuff. There was also hair products, shampoo, conditioner and make-up taken.”
The thieves also got away with a laptop and mini iPad, given them a total haul worth in the region of £3,000.
Whether the hole-in-the-wall approach was worth it seems doubtful.
This type of break-in technique is most commonly associated with high-stakes thefts, which involve thieves using explosives or drills to blast a hole through a wall.
The most notorious recent example was the Hatton Garden heist, which saw experienced thieves use a diamond-tipped drill to create a hole in a 7-ft reinforced concrete wall.
Over £14m worth of jewellery was taken in what was described as the “largest burglary in British legal history”.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that the break-in was reported to police. The incident is believed to have happened between 5pm on June 25 and 9.40am on June 27.
“Cash, computer equipment and beauty products valued at a low four-figure sum have been taken.
“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.”
Miss Henderson added: “Somebody might have seen something. I presume somebody heard something with the banging on the wall, they have managed to breakdown the partition and plaster and things like that.”
