ST. LOUIS — Investigators with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are asking for the public's help in identifying two men who burglarized a south St. Louis business earlier this month.
Police Sgt. Charles Wall said officers responded to a burglary on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 a.m. at Kuts by Kurtis barbershop located at 2901 Cherokee Street in south St. Louis. Wall said the suspects allegedly stole about $20,000 worth of property including several items such as barber clippers, clipper blades and blade guards. They also took a number of cologne bottles from the business.
The two suspects were caught on surveillance video breaking into the business, police said.
For more than 20 years, Curtis York has run the barbershop in south St. Louis' Dutchtown neighborhood. York said burglars had never hit his business, but that all changed during the wee hours of Nov. 5.
"It was around 3 a.m. and my door was open and I saw my locks broken," York said. "This is so upsetting. We are trying to build up the Dutchtown Commercial District and we didn't need anything like this to happen," York said.
York replaced some of the stolen items, but the bold crimes have impacted the small business owner and his workers in many ways.
"Several thousands of dollars of hair dryers, other equipment and clippers. Those were professional clippers worth $300 or $400. Some guys have eight, or nine pairs on their stations, so they took a hit. The vibe in here had definitely been different now. We all have been a little unsettled and with me, I'm just watching more carefully now everyone who walks in here. It's upsetting," York said.
York said after the barbershop break-in the burglars took off in an SUV that pulled up after the crime.
"My surveillance camera shows whoever drove that car made a U-turn, those two guys hopped in it and then the driver took off," York said.
A disappointed York said the alarm on his business failed on the night of the burglary. He has since replaced that system.
Police said they hoped people would take a good look at the surveillance photos. If you recognize the two suspects, then you are asked to call the police department. Anyone with information is asked to contact a Third District Burglary Detective at 314-444-2500. Anyone with a tip who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
The investigation is ongoing.