VANDALS and thieves have targeted two Westhoughton businesses.

A 'boulder' was thrown through the front door of Thomas Herbert hair salon as thieves forced their way in.

Forensic teams attended the hairdressers in Wigan Road this morning to take evidence.

Monks Dry Cleaning shop, which is located less than one minute's walk around the corner in School Street, was also subjected to 'mindless' vandalism overnight as yobs smashed a panel of glass.

Gemma McInness, the manager at Thomas Herbert, said: "I saw the damage when I arrived for work this morning.

"I thought it was just a brick through the door but it was a big boulder.

"They climbed into the shop and stole GHDs and other products. It is really upsetting.

"We tried to clean up as best as we could and decided to open up for business as usual.

"We just have to continue as normal."

It is believed the burglary took place at about 2.30am on Saturday. About £700 worth of products were taken, and a further £300 worth of damage was caused.

Staff thanked customers for their understanding and patience while police were in attendance and a clean-up operation was ongoing.

It is the first time the salon has been hit since opening in Westhoughton about 18 months ago.

At some point overnight, Monks dry cleaners was also targeted. A member of staff said they had reported the vandalism to the police.

They said: "We had an attempted break-in. They broke the glass panel at the top of our front door.

"We are just relieved that they did not get inside and cause more damage. There is no money left on the premises so we are baffled by what they were trying to gain.

"The salon across the road was broken into which is just awful."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.