Perfume shop owners heartache at robbery a week before Christmas

David McConnachie, who owns the Perfume and Co. in The Furlong, Ringwood, was left devestated after his perfume shop was broken into on the evening of Thursday, December 15. 

David said it has “emptied his tank” and has been particularly saddened by what happened because he only opened the shop 10 weeks ago. 

He said: “My partner and I opened the shop 10 weeks ago and you don’t expect anything like this to happen in Ringwood. 

Man taking items from the shop (Image: Perfumery and Co)

“We set up the business recently, opened it up with good intentions and for it to then be broken into is devastating.” 

It is alleged entry was gained by a crowbar through the back door – with David suspecting the offender must know the business in order to understand how to gain entry. 

He added: “It empties your tank; we are working so hard to make the shop and for them to come in and rob us is awful. 

“It isn't like we are a Tesco store or a supermarket because if something was to be taken it would just get lost in the volume of the stock. 

“But we buy all our stock ourselves so this will have a real impact on us, especially as it happened a week before Christmas.  

“It’s like a knife in the chest.” 

David estimates a high value of goods was stolen from his shop, thanks to price ranges up to nearly £300 for a designer bottle of perfume. 

Perfumery & Co store in Ringwood's The Furlong shopping centre (Image: Furlong)

He also estimates several thousands of pounds would also need to be claimed because of the damage done to the property in gaining entry by the suspect. 

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We’re investigating a burglary which took place at Perfumery & Co. in The Furlong, Ringwood, between 8.30pm and 8.45pm on Thursday 15 December. 

“Entry was forced to the rear of the premises, and bottles of perfume were stolen from inside. Enquiries remain ongoing. 

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting 44220505595.”