Suspects sought after $20,000 worth of hair extensions stolen in Bartow

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In the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 21, approximately six to seven suspects broke into a local hair supply store. But they weren’t there to steal cash.

While most thieves might head straight for the cash register, the robbery suspects in Bartow County were after a different commodity: hair extensions— $20,000 worth.

It may seem like a high price tag for a beauty item, but that is exactly why the black market for high-end hair extensions has emerged in recent years. Popular brands charge $100 and more for a single package. The average person uses two packs each time, and replaces them every three to six months, which adds up to a lot of money each year.

A series of human hair extension heists occurred in major cities nationwide back in 2013 and 2014, prompting investigation into the issue. According to CNN Money, the stolen hair pieces are sold to salons, online, and even out of trunks of cars.

Bartow police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects in the recent beauty store robbery. According to police, “most of the subjects were wearing blue clothing over their faces for concealment. Although, it appears one subject failed to cover his face.”

Anyone with any information, please call Detective Stevens at the Bartow Police Department Detective Bureau. (863) 534-5040.