Victoria Police Department
Home / Blog / Officers Reaching Out To Hair Salons & Spas Targeted In Downtown Break & Enter Series

Officers Reaching Out To Hair Salons & Spas Targeted In Downtown Break & Enter Series

News Releases
Date Published: 21 Oct 2022, Last Updated: 15 May 2025

Date: Friday, October 21, 2022Files: 22-901108, 22-38738, 22-901084, 22-38290, 22-36978, 22-37041, 22-36871, 22-33150Victoria, BC – VicPD officers are reaching out to hair salons and spas as we continue to investigate a series of break and enters targeting these businesses downtown.Officers are reaching out to businesses warning them of the break and enters and thefts that have been reported. The first known report in the series occurred on August 31st , with a break and enter that damaged the front door lock of a salon in the 700-block of Bay Street. This incident targeted the cash box.Since that incident, VicPD’s Analysis and Intelligence Section (AIS) Crime Analysts have identified eight incidents across downtown Victoria, mainly targeting hair salons and spas with similar methods of entry and similar items stolen. The suspect(s) are prying and/or spinning deadbolt cylinders on businesses’ front doors to gain access.Once inside, thieves are targeting easily accessible items including:

  • Tablets/iPads and laptops

  • Cash and cash boxes

  • Camera and stereo equipment/tri-pods

  • Dyson hair tools

Over $10,000 in losses have been reported.How you can protect your businessOfficers are encouraging local businesses to secure or remove any items of value. This includes removing any items from plain view of the storefront. Officers are offering the following tips:

  • Remove and secure all cash from the till (preferably to a safe that is secured to the building)

  • Leave the empty till drawer or cash box open and plainly visible from the exterior of the store

  • Routinely secure all items of value (iPads/laptops/camera equipment/Dyson hair tools)

 V

VicPD officers are reaching out to downtown businesses to provide tips on how to avoid becoming part of the break and enter series. 

If you are the victim of a break and enter, an attempted break and enter, or a suspicious circumstance where someone appears to be casing or taking stock of items in your business, please call the VicPD Report Desk at 250-995-7654 extension 1. Suspicious circumstances without CCTV footage which do not require police attendance should still be reported to assist with our ongoing investigations. These can be reported through our VicPD Online Reporting system at www.vicpd.ca.If you have information about these incidents, please call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

-30-

We’re seeking qualified candidates for both police officer and civilian positions. Thinking about a career in public service? Join VicPD and help us make Victoria and Esquimalt a safer community together. 
Home All Posts