MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thieves broke into two beauty stores in Memphis early Wednesday morning, and Memphis Police have released pictures of the suspects in one of the crimes.
The Memphis Police Department responded to the first burglary about 2:15 a.m. in the 4500 block of Poplar Avenue at the Ulta Beauty store in East Memphis. Investigators said at least two suspects rammed a vehicle - later identified on video as a gray Kia Soul - through the front glass.
Police said the video showed two suspects running inside and putting an unknown amount of cologne into bags before escaping the scene. The total value of the merchandise stolen is unknown at this time.
Investigators said the suspects left behind the Kia Soul's bumper, which had Tennessee license plate BLY-6068. They said a second vehicle at the scene was also spotted, a dark-colored Kia Optima.
According to police, there have been three burglary attempts at this location since August.
Officers responded to the second burglary incident around 2:30 a.m. in the 5300 block of Winchester Road at the Beauty & Company store.
Camera footage showed two men busting the front glass window with a sledge hammer and taking various items before getting away.
According to police, the first suspect was wearing a black hoodie, face mask and white tennis shoes. The second wore all-black clothing and a mask.
Beauty & Company store owner Baha Hamed said upwards of $30,000 worth of wigs and hair extensions was stolen. Thieves also took the cash registers.
Business burglaries nearly doubled in the past five years, but Hamed is encouraging other owners to stay in Memphis.
"We as business owners know we have to extremely prepare for times like this. I want to encourage other business owners that if you're going through this, don't let it stop you because we still need to be a part of the community," said Hamed.
Police have not said whether these two burglaries are connected.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents should call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.