'It was like a pick and mix' – Perfumery & Co store in Ringwood raided just months after opening

THE owners of a Ringwood perfume shop hit by a thief watched helplessly as the raid unfolded on their mobile phones.

Entry was forced to Perfumery & Co. in The Furlong and a range of both men’s and women’s scents were stolen between 8.30pm and 8.45pm last Thursday.

David McConnachie and his partner Anthony Harwood-McConnachie, who run the business, were alerted at home via alarm sensors on their phones.

“We were able to watch on our phones as the shop was broken into. It was a horrendous experience,” David said.

“Of course, it’s the week before Christmas, so it’s been really, really upsetting.

“He had crowbarred open the back doors and smashed the till drawer even though no cash is left overnight. He took it out and threw it on the floor about seven times.

“It was like a pick-and-mix – he knew what he came for. He took an equal amount of men’s and women’s products.”

David praised the police response to the incident, although the offender, who was equipped with a headlamp, had fled before officers arrived.

The break-in came just over two years after the other Perfumery & Co branch, in Lymington High Street, was targeted.

As reported in the A&T, the front door was kicked in before around 60 bottles of expensive perfume were swept from the shelves.

David and Anthony had only launched the independent business in summer 2020.

“We’ve been working our socks off six to seven days a week, but for someone to just come in and take whatever they want, it’s just not on,” David continued.

“With the insurance, you’re getting back what you paid for at cost, but not what you could have earned. A week before Christmas we could sell it at retail price.

“We’ve lost so much money in the week before Christmas. It’s just disgusting, to be honest.”

David also slammed people who buy bottles of perfume at knock-down prices from sellers in places such as pubs where stolen goods often end up.

Forensics officers took prints from the store, which was able to open as normal the day after with its diminished stock. However, they were unable to take cash payments while they waited for a replacement till.

Wanting more visible policing in both Ringwood and Lymington, David and Anthony have arranged to discuss the issue with New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne in January.

“We had it happen two years ago and it feels like, 'Oh God, is that what we’re going to get now?',” David said.

“Those responsible might just get a week in prison as it’s classed as petty theft.

“The police have been fabulous and really supportive. When I walked in I thought I was going to be sick – it’s like a new home has been trashed.”

He added: “I’ve written to the landlord who owns The Furlong, asking about night security, but I really want to be focusing on serving my customers.”

Those with information should contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44220505595, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.