Vandals target local businesses during COVID-19 shutdown

“I WORKED a 12-hour day yesterday just to earn enough money to fix the door."

Police investigate a break in at a Glenvale business. Picture: John Borren

A TOOWOOMBA hairdresser was left feeling "deflated" after thoughtless vandals smashed her shop front.

Hair We Are owner Bec Sherden arrived at her Glenvale shop yesterday to find the damage.

It was the second time in four months that vandals broke into her store.

"It doesn't look like they managed to get in this time," Ms Sherden said.

"I think they were disturbed."

Ms Sherden estimated the offence occurred sometime between Saturday night and early Tuesday morning.

The break in comes at a bad time after Ms Sherden let all of her staff go out of fear they would catch COVID-19.

"I am busting myself," she said.

"I worked a 12-hour day yesterday just to earn enough money to fix the door.

"You work massive days for someone to do that."

The COVID-19 shutdown drained Ms Sherden's business of customers but she is determined to stay open to save money ahead of an inevitable closure.

"I am not turning anyone away," she said.

"I think I will stay open until next week then close until after Easter.

"Several businesses in the area where vandalised at the weekend and Ms Sherden said they would pool CCTV footage.

"I have heard some nice stories during the shutdown, but also some really bad ones," she said. 

"It's un-Australian.

"It is the battlers that get shafted all the time."

Toowoomba Police are investigating the matter.

Anyone with information should phone Policelink on 131 444.

Originally published as Vandals target local businesses during COVID-19 shutdown