Peterborough barber vows to battle on despite three burglaries in eight days that have cost thousands of pounds
A well known Peterborough barber has vowed to battle on despite three break-ins over eight days that seen the theft of thousands of pounds of equipment and damage to the premises.
Antonio Dizzano, who runs Hair Craft, in Lincoln Road, close to the Morrisons supermarket, says he has been devastated by the trio of burglaries that have all occurred in the early hours of the morning.
Now friends have set up a Gofundme page in a bid to help barber Antonio keep his business going.
He said the first break in occurred on July 17 at about 1am and was followed by a second on July 20 with the third taking place on July 24.
It is estimated the value of the stolen equipment totals £4,000 while the cost of repairs will be £2,000 plus.
Antonio said: “The thief stole lots of equipment in the first break-in and then stole boxes of equipment such as hairdryers and scissors in the second break-in.
He said: “And this morning, the raider just seems to have grabbed the till, which only contained £4 but is worth £50 to replace.
“But the raider has also smashed our glass windows and a reinforced glass door that will cost about 1,500 to replace.
Antonio said: “But I am determined to carry on.
"We have cleaned up and boarded up the windows and it is business as usual.
He said: “But it is devastating.
"I have never seen anything like it in seven years I’ve been here.”
Friend Milan Vanco has set up a Gofundme page to help Hair Craft keeping going.
He said: “Running a small local business takes immense dedication, long hours, and passion.
"For Antonio and Okai, the owners of the barbershop in the Morrisons car park that dream has turned into an ongoing nightmare.
"These repeated break-ins have not only caused severe financial damage to equipment and property, but they have also taken a massive emotional toll on two hardworking local business owners who just want to make an honest living and serve their community safely.
“Insurance doesn't cover everything, and the cost of repairs, replacing stolen equipment, and upgrading security measures is mounting.”
The Gofundme page can be found here at Support Tony and Okai: Help rebuild Peterborough Barbershop
A Cambridgeshire police spokesperson said: “We have reports of burglaries at the premises on 13th, 20th and 24th July.
“We have been in contact with the victim this afternoon and the crimes are being investigated by our Spree offender team.
"Progress has been made and inquiries are ongoing.”