A mum whose beauty salon was targeted in a break-in has been left unable to run her business after more than £4,000 worth of stock was stolen.

Jade Davison, 33, from Washington has said she still feels “shocked” after her thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of stock and cash from her beauty business.

The mum of one opened her salon in 2020, naming it Beau Beauty after her six-year-old daughter, India Beau.

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Northumbria Police confirmed the break in took place between March 10 and March 14.

Jade told the Echo how she felt when she found out: “I think I was still in shock. I’ve never had to deal with burglary before, I didn’t know how to deal with it.

“I was even panicking trying to think of the police number, my mind went totally blank.

“Once that shock wore off, it’s been over the last week that it’s physically hit me. It’s mentally drained me, I always feel like I’m going to start crying.”

Jade, who has worked in the beauty industry from a young age and opened her salon after years of hard work, now admits the burglary is “heart-wrenching” and it has affected the way she sees her business.

She said: “It feels tarnished now. My salon, my pride and joy that I’ve worked for and feel proud to call mine.

“Now, that someone’s been in and rummaged through my stuff thinking they’ve got the right to do that… it doesn’t feel like it’s mine anymore.

“I’ve been out of work for a week now and I know I’ll be out for even longer. It’s petrifying to know that I’m still going to have bills that I have to pay and I can’t physically do that.”

The salon usually hosts groups of girls for 'pamper-parties', with Jade admitting she can't wait for it to be a "happy place" once again.

Despite her devastating experience, Jade has praised the local community for rallying behind her in this tough time.

“The amount of offers I’ve had from other salons and other help. Even people who don’t have salons have been in contact to help in any way they can.

“Our community doesn’t get enough praise as it should, I have never felt more supported.

“It’s just such a shame, this is what I’ve worked for.”

The Northern Echo: Six-year-old India and mum Jade at the salon.Six-year-old India and mum Jade at the salon. (Image: Beau Beauty)

Jade told The Northern Echo that despite what has happened to her, she isn’t going to give up on her dreams.

She said: “This year was the year I was going to make my business, and if anything, now, with all the community and all the help I am going to do it.

“I’m going to thrive now; they’re not going to break me down.”

The Northern Echo approached Northumbria Police for more details on the case.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 11am on Tuesday (March 14) police received a report of burglary at a premises on Heworth Road in Washington.

“It was reported that an unknown offender had gained access to the property sometime between 7pm on Friday, March 10, and 10.30am on Tuesday, March 14.

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“They have then taken a number of items including cash and stock, understood to be worth around £4,500 in value, and left the scene.

“An investigation has been launched, and a 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, as well as a 34-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have both since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

“Anyone with information should contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number NP-20230314-0350.”