A WORCESTER salon has been broken into for the second time in a few months after being refused planning permission to install metal shutters.

Lisa Perry, manager at Serene Health and Beauty, in Ankerage Green, Warndon Villages, said about £1,800 of stock was taken during the raid on Sunday morning after thieves used a crowbar to force the door open.

The salon was hit in August last year and applied to Worcester City Council to improve security by adding shutters to the shop front.

However, permission was denied on the grounds the design was not suitable and would increase the perception of crime in the area.

Ms Perry, aged 41, said she has installed a hi-tech alarm system to deter burglars and there is private CCTV nearby but this isn’t enough.

She said: “After the first break-in we applied to have similar shutters to the fish and chip shop but it was refused. We appealed against the city council’s decision but haven’t heard anything back. If we were allowed to install the shutters this break-in would not have happened. Businesses should be allowed to protect their premises properly.

“The lighting isn’t great around here either so we need all the extra security we can get.” Ms Perry said the items taken included Bed Head and Tigi products, a set of display GHD straighteners and some expensive Moroccan oils. She said about £1,500 of damage has been caused to the front door.

CCTV images from cameras at Co-op were obtained but it was too dark to get any clear images of the offenders.

Councillor Francis Lankester, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities at the city council, said there is always a lot of negotiation about whether shutters should be installed or what they should look like.

Designs that completely block shop fronts will be refused in favour of ones which are see-through or have holes in them.

A spokesman from West Mercia Police said they received a call at 3.27am and were on the scene within a couple of minutes.

She added: “An immediate search of the area was carried out but none of the offenders was detected.”

If anyone witnessed the incident or has been offered hair products for sale under suspicious circumstances they should call 0300 333 3000 quoting 121/S/240411. Information can also be given anonymously on 0800 555 111.