DUBAI — Two conmen have stolen Dh4,000 from a posh hair salon on Shaikh Zayed Road during the weekend leaving behind only a $1bill for the victim’s trouble, according to the police and the salon staff.
A police source said the theft followed the pattern of a spate of similar incidents in the city which the police are investigating.
The salon receptionist L.R. was on duty when the two men came into the salon about 6.30pm on Friday.
In between juggling phone calls and dealing with customers, L.R. said one of the men asked to buy a hair serum and asked for change.
She claimed he then suggested he swap some Dh100 notes for a Dh 500 note which she did.
L.R. said she then opened Thursday’s takings and swapped a Dh1,000 note for hundreds thinking to fill up the till with change.
“When I thought about it, I should never have opened the pay packet,” she said.
“But we’re always desperate for change.”
As another phone call came in and L.R. turned to help a client, she claimed the man reached over and grabbed Dh 4,000 from the takings before he and his companion walked out.
“Before I turned away he left a US $1 bill saying “because I disturbed you so much for the change I’ll leave you a note”,” L.R. said.
L.R. immediately alerted security staff posted in the commercial complex when she turned back and realised what had happened.
“You never expect something like that on a quiet day like Friday. He just timed it when it was busy,” she said.
The salon’s general manager, who requested not to be named, confirmed the incident and said security footage had been given to police in the hope of catching the two culprits.