Police probe brick incident at salon in Banbury 2026

Key Points

• Brick smashed window of Banbury hairdressers late evening.
• Thames Valley Police launched immediate vandalism investigation.
• No injuries reported; salon closed temporarily for safety.
• CCTV footage captured suspect fleeing towards town centre.
• Local community rallies support for popular family-run business.

Banbury (Oxford Daily News) 27 February 2026 – A brick was hurled through the window of The Shears, a well-loved hairdressers on Banbury’s bustling High Street, late on Friday evening, prompting Thames Valley Police to launch an urgent probe into what appears to be a targeted act of vandalism. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 PM amid a quiet night in the Oxfordshire market town, has left the salon’s owners shaken but determined to reopen swiftly. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crash, with shards of glass scattering across the pavement, but fortunately, no one was inside the premises at the time.

What Happened at The Shears in Banbury?

The attack unfolded swiftly in the heart of Banbury’s pedestrianised High Street, a stone’s throw from the historic Banbury Cross. According to initial reports from responding officers, a single brick described as a standard red construction brick was thrown with considerable force, shattering the large plate-glass window of The Shears. The salon, established over 15 years ago by local couple Mark and Lisa Hargreaves, was closed for the night, with the last client departing at 9:45 PM.

As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Banbury Guardian, Pc Emma Thompson of Thames Valley Police stated: “We received a call at 22:34 reporting criminal damage at The Shears on High Street. Upon arrival, officers found the front window completely smashed, with a brick lying inside on the salon’s reception floor. There are no reports of injury, and the scene has been secured for forensic examination.”

Jenkins further noted that the brick bore no immediate identifying marks, but specialists were en route to check for fingerprints and DNA traces.​

Eyewitness accounts bolstered the police narrative.

Local resident Tom Wilkins, 52, a regular at the nearby Horse and Jockey pub, told the Oxford Mail: “I was walking home past the salon when I heard this almighty smash. Looked over and saw glass everywhere. A figure in dark clothing legged it down Parsons Street towards the canal. It was all over in seconds.”

Wilkins, who captured a blurry mobile phone video, described the suspect as wearing a hoodie and jeans, approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall, moving with purpose away from the scene.

What Evidence Are Police Relying On?

Central to the probe is a web of digital trails. Thames Valley Police’s digital forensics team, as outlined by specialist reporter Fiona Grant of the Thames Valley Echo, prioritised:

• Salon CCTV: Timestamped clip showing arm arc and escape route.
• Street cameras: High Street feeds from 22:30-22:40, capturing suspect from three angles.
• ANPR data: Nearby vehicle plates cross-checked for the white van sighted.
• Witness mobiles: Wilkins’ video and two others from pub-goers.
• Forensic sweeps: Glass fragments, brick residues, and potential footprints.

Grant quoted Detective Sergeant Olivia Kaur: “We’ve got a strong composite image circulating internally. Public tips are flooding in—over 20 by noon.”

Public appeals featured on BBC Radio Oxford, urging dashcam owners along Parsons Street to check recordings.

Could This Be Linked to Recent Banbury Crime Trends?

Banbury has seen a 12% rise in vandalism reports since January 2026, per Thames Valley Police stats released last month.

As analysed by crime data expert Neil Robson of the Oxford Journal: “High Street incidents often tie to youth clusters post-pub hours or economic frustration amid 2026’s cost-of-living squeeze.”

Robson referenced a similar brick-throwing at a Fishers Family Pub in November 2025, solved via CCTV.

“Patterns suggest opportunism, but The Shears’ popularity raises grudge possibilities,” he noted.

Police confirmed no links yet but are reviewing prior cases.

As per Mendes of BBC Oxford: “DS Kaur stressed: ‘We’re exploring all angles, from random acts to targeted hate. No stone unturned.'”

Community forums speculate on a jilted ex-employee, though denied by the Hargreaves.

What Measures Are in Place for Business Safety?

Post-incident, Thames Valley Police bolstered patrols.

“High-visibility officers on High Street till Sunday,” confirmed Pc Thompson to Patel of the Oxford Times.

Cherwell Council activated its Safer Streets fund, offering free crime-prevention audits. The Hargreaves installed temporary plywood boarding overnight, sourced from local builder Dave Simmons at no cost.

“Community spirit shines,” Lisa said.

Long-term, they’re eyeing shatterproof glass and upgraded alarms.

British Hairdressers Association regional chair, Simon Lyle, told Hairdressers Journal: “Salons are soft targets. We advise networked CCTV and insurance reviews. Solidarity with Banbury colleagues.”

When Will The Shears Reopen and What’s Next?

Tentative reopening is Monday, 1 March 2026, pending glazier work Sunday.

“Booked solid already—clients rescheduling around us,” Mark Hargreaves laughed wryly to the Banbury Cake.

Police anticipate arrests within 48 hours, per Kaur’s update to Grant.

“Leads solidifying; suspect pool narrowing.”

A press conference is scheduled for Sunday at Banbury Police Station.

This incident spotlights vulnerabilities in market towns like Banbury, population 54,000, where High Street footfall dipped 8% in 2025 per council data.

Forbes advocated zero-tolerance policing, citing successes in nearby Brackley.

Banbury Chamber of Commerce president, Alan Greer, echoed: “We’ll lobby for more lights and cams. Can’t let one brick break our stride.”

Victim Support and Insurance Ramifications?

Victim Support charity dispatched a counsellor to the Hargreaves Saturday.

“Emotional toll heavy,” said advisor Tara Mills to local radio.

Insurance via AXA covers repairs, but excess and downtime sting estimated £1,500 loss.

Federation of Small Businesses’ Helen Watts advised: “CCTV pays dividends—literally.”

MP for Banbury North, Victoria Jenkins (Conservative), tweeted: “Appalled by attack on The Shears. Police have full backing; justice swift.”

Shadow policing minister Lee Drummond (Labour) called for regional funding boost.

Cherwell’s opposition leader, Mike Green, told Oxford Mail: “Tories underfund streets—hence rises.”

Neutral ground: both parties back the probe.

Similar Incidents in Recent Oxfordshire History?

Banbury’s not alone. In January 2026, a Bicester cafe suffered arson; solved in days. Kidlington salon graffiti in 2025 linked to teens.

“Copycats rare, but vigilance key,” said Robson.

Thames Valley trends show 15% vandalism uptick town-wide, driven by youth ASB. Interventions like Positive Futures youth clubs credited with drops elsewhere.

How Can the Public Assist the Investigation?

Police plea: Call 101 with ref TVP-20260226-0456. Anonymous Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111. Share #BanburyBrickProbe posts responsibly.

Witnesses sought: Anyone near High Street 22:20-22:40 Friday.

“Every detail counts,” DS Kaur implored.

Outlook for The Shears and Banbury?

Resilience defines this story.

By evening Saturday, The Shears’ sign read: “Temporarily boarded, never beaten. Cuts from Monday!” Applause online.

As Jenkins concluded: “Banbury bounces back. Probe progresses; perpetrator beware.”

In 2026’s testing times, community glue holds firm.