A SMASH-AND-GRAB raider targeting Clacton traders has struck again.

Hair 4 U, in Old Road, was broken into early last Wednesday morning.

Now, owner Gary McNamara wants other Clacton businesses to be on the alert and take preventative action.

“I live upstairs and I was awoken by the police telling me I had been robbed,” he said.

“The whole of my salon floor was full of laminated glass where a window had been smashed open.”

The till was also missing, but was found soon after in nearby Meredith Road.

“Between 2am and the police arriving at 2.30am, a man got the till and ran off with it. But, luckily for me, there was nothing in it,” said Gary.

The hairdresser, who has run his business there for 16 years, said he would face a £350 bill for the damage.

“This man has done at least four other premises in the town centre.

“He’s bound to make a habit of it and do more. This is this guy’s modus operandi,” he said.

Gary added Lacey’s Boutique had also been broken into and had £1,500 taken from their till.

“It’s a warning to shopkeepers. Don’t leave money in your till,” he said.

Essex Police confirmed they had gone to the break-in, following a report from a member of the public.

They described the suspect as a small man, dressed in black, and added inquiries were continuing.

A police spokeswoman said the force provided advice for businesses affected by crime.

“We have a team of crime reduction officers and architectural liaison officers on hand to offer advice and answer security-related questions, including installing security shutters and CCTV,” she added.

“They can be contacted by calling 101. Lots of advice to businesses is available on our website www.essex.police.uk.”