The co-owner of a Leeds barbers that was broken into overnight says he has been left "gutted" by the "bizarre" burglary as he slammed Kirkgate's 'street drinking problem'.
Paul Mason said the street outside his business, Blue Collar Barbering, is plagued by people "off their faces" who "just do what they hell they want." A brick was used to smash through the shop's front door on Tuesday (September 14) at 5.15am during the "bizarre" burglary which saw those responsible take nothing but three "half-empty" bottles of spirits.
West Yorkshire Police (WYP) have confirmed they are investigating the break-in and have appealed for witnesses. Paul, 35, described seeing "glass everywhere" outside the shop after he was woken by a call at 5.30am on Tuesday.
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He told Leeds Live: "We are gutted to be fair. They have come in and they have robbed three half-empty bottles of spirits. They have not looked through the drawers or anything - it is just a bit of a bizarre one."
Paul said it marks the second time the business has been burgled in four years and added Kirkgate is crying out for "a bit more of a police presence." He said working on Kirkgate can be a "nightmare" at times and described the area as being full of people "off their faces" boozing in the street.
"It is hassle we don't need - we are just trying to run an honest business," he said. "People just do what the hell they want. It feels like there is no law and order. I think there are a few (other businesses) who would agree. It is hard work at times - but what do you do? It makes you think 'should I go somewhere quieter?' But we do love the area, it is just not easy at times."
A spokesperson for WYP said: "Police are investigating a burglary at a shop on Kirkgate on September 14 at around 5.15am. A suspect broke into the property via the front door, nothing was stolen. Enquiries are ongoing. Any witnesses to 101 or the live chat facility, quoting crime reference 13220507279."
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