Bellingham barbershop, salon hit by early morning theft

BELLINGHAM, Washington — A local barbershop and adjacent salon in Bellingham were targeted in an early morning burglary, resulting in the theft of professional styling equipment and retail products.

The break-in occurred during the early hours of Friday, December 20, 2024. According to initial police findings, the suspect or suspects forced entry through a rear door, bypassing basic locks. Once inside, the perpetrators ransacked the styling stations, targeting high-end hair clippers, professional shears, specialty hair care products, and cash from the register.

The business owners discovered the break-in when arriving to open for the day's appointments. "It is incredibly disheartening to have our livelihood disrupted right before the busy holiday weekend," one of the affected stylists remarked. The total value of the stolen equipment and property damage is estimated to be in the thousands of dollars, representing a severe impact on the small business operators.

Bellingham Police Department officers are actively investigating the theft, collecting surveillance footage from security systems in the neighborhood. Business owners in the downtown area are advised to secure valuables in bolted safes overnight and ensure all external lighting and cameras are fully functional. Police request anyone with information to contact local authorities.