A downtown Vernon business known for making cancer patients feel beautiful has been burned by thieves.
Carol Roney has owned and operated Beauty Haven for 40 years and has never been hit so hard as she was a couple months ago.
“It was pretty traumatic, it was a big theft,” said Roney of the Sept. 12, 2 a.m. break-in that cost her approximately $20,000. “It was not just a smash and grab. They grabbed and grabbed.”
Along with stylist tools, colour samples, cash and more, the biggest hit was the theft of wigs. It hurts the most due to the fact that some of them were specially ordered for cancer patients who have lost their hair while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
It’s a big hit to the region, as Roney says her shop is one of a few that will cut and style wigs for cancer patients.
“They (clients) were in shock too,” said Roney, who had to break the news to one lady the day after the theft who was coming in to get her new wig fitted. “Our selection was nil so she had a hard time.”
They only thing the thieves didn’t take was the grey wigs.
“They were in here for over three hours,” said Roney, who gleaned information from surveillance. “We counted several guys and two girls in here. They just filled up containers and packed it out.”
While Roney is still reeling from her experience, the ongoing thefts around town only add to the concern.
“There’s been a lot of break-ins downtown so we’re beefing up the security system.
“It makes you nervous.”
Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP are continuing to investigate this and other break-ins, which include a trio of thefts Nov. 8 at another hair salon (Universal Hair Studio), Shoppers Drug Mart (27th Street location) and Nicolas and Marie’s Pizza Pasta Donair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the local RCMP at 250-545-7171 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.