A GANG of women have robbed five hair and beauty salons in rural villages in Kirklees.

The latest attack by the women – thought to be eastern European – happened on Tuesday when Oh So Gorgeous Salon in Marsden and The Salon, Slaithwaite, were targeted by the trio.

The robberies occurred as the women created a scene by splitting up and pestering clients as well as asking to buy various products or book appointments.

While staff had been distracted, one or more of the suspects has then stolen items including two iPhone mobile phones and in some instances cash from the till.

Oh So Gorgeous Salon owner Clare Dorotaik, told the Examiner: “Three women came in and they were quite intimidating.

“They were asking about products and treatments and one of them tried to go through to the treatment room but I called out to my colleague who managed to stop her.

“They tried to buy cream with a £50 note but I knew something wasn’t right and just told them I didn’t have change and they left.

“A car was waiting for them outside.”

And last Thursday Floyds Barber Shop, Scissett, and Halo Salon and The Hair Shop on Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, were robbed.

A further incident was alerted to Denby Dale police alleging a similar incident at a salon in New Mill.

Owner of Halo Natalie Pack, 29, said: “Two women came in and were looking round and I kept saying ‘Can I help you?’ but they just ignored me. Then one of them starting asking questions about products and the other went to look at jewellery in a cabinet.

“They were just baffling.

“The first one bought a product paying with a £50 note, but then disputed the price so I refunded her.

“I could tell they were acting suspicious but I wanted to remain professional.

“It wasn’t until they had left that I realised my iPhone had been stolen.”

Police have since alerted businesses in the area to be aware of the group and report any suspicious activity.

Pc Sally Baines of the Kirkburton and Denby Dale Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “It is clear to us that this group of women are moving around Kirklees committing these thefts, so I am warning local business owners to be wary of a group of women fitting the suspects’ descriptions entering their premises.

“The suspects have been described as three eastern European women, one in her thirties, one in her forties and one in her fifties. All three have been wearing long dark skirts and have long dark hair that is tied back in ponytails.

“We also know that a silver or grey VW Passat is being driven by one of the group, or a possible fourth suspect.

“If staff at any hairdressers or salons think that these women are in their businesses, we would advise them to contact Kirklees police via 101 as well as asking the women to leave if it is felt that they are up to no good, or have no intention of buying anything.”

Enquiries into the burglaries are ongoing and any witnesses, or anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Baines on 101.