OAKLAND PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - An ugly crime broke out in Oakland Park when a man attacked employees at a beauty supply store, and the business owner said the crook didn’t stop there.
Shaykat Ahamed, the owner of Discount Beauty Supply Hair & Wigs, told 7News this is not the first time that the same individual has robbed them.
“Of course I get real shocked,” said Ahamed, who did not want to show his face on camera.
According to Broward County Sheriff’s deputies, the latest incident happened on Jan. 7.
Surveillance video from inside the store, located at 777 E. Oakland Park Blvd., showed the subject walking in and pepper-spraying two employees before he ran out with pricey wigs.
“I’m not thinking about my merchandise, but I’m thinking about my guys. How they’re feeling?” said Ahamed.
Ahamed said this is the fourth time that the perpetrator has gone into their store, and that the problem started sometime in the middle of 2022.
“Two times he comes in. He cut the alarm system and pick up everything,” he said. “Whatever he liked, he put in the garbage bag.”
The store’s owner also said the man broke doors the first two times he went to the store. He believes the thief has taken roughly $70,000 worth of merchandise.
“I don’t want him to do that again, if he needs something, he can ask me,” said Ahamed. “Say, ‘Hey, brother, I don’t have money,’ but this guy, I know that pretty much he grabbing, stealing, and he selling. This is his profession.”
During this latest robbery, BSO deputies said, the suspect got away with $1,200 in merchandise.
Ahamed said the suspect always tried to go for one sales item.
“All are human wigs, $400 to $500, my cost, each of them,” he Asaid.
After the first few times, Ahamed said, he put up metal bars on the front door after it was damaged and placed the expensive wigs higher. The items are now out of customers’ reach.
According to employees, they believe the subject may be working with other people, because when he entered the store, there were other people with him.
Detectives are looking for the thief and the car he used that day.
While Ahamed wants the crook to be punished, more than anything, he’s more worried about his employees after being hit with pepper spray.
“I feel real bad to see them. I don’t like to see them like suffering like that, and a human being cannot do that to another human being like that way,” he said.
If you have any information on this incident of the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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