BURGLARS fleeced hairdressing salon staff of their Christmas bonus money given by grateful customers.

Intruders forced their way into Salon Shimo, in Newton Hall, Durham, before taking money, gift sets and work equipment from the premises.

They removed a double glazed unit at the rear of the salon, on Carr House Drive, and made a search of the property.

They made off with more than 600 in tips left by customers, plus 100 float from the till.

Other items taken included six GHD hair products gift sets, worth 125 each, six hair straighteners and five black and gold hair dryers used by the staff at the salon.

The break-in took place between 6pm last Friday, December 21 and 7.45am the following morning.

PC Sam Scott, of Durham City Police Station, is dealing with the inquiry and anyone with information is asked to contact her on the force non-emergency line, 0845-60 60 365, or via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.