Crooks targeting Lash Studio's across Houston area

HUMBLE (KTRK) -- Workers at the Lash Studio in Humble received a startling surprise when they discovered a would-be robber on surveillance cameras.

In the video, the criminal is shown using a crowbar to break inside the store, located in the 20440 block of US-59.

Then 30 seconds later, "They came in. They came right for the cash register," said Shannon Harper, Manager of Amazing Lash Studio.

The register was locked up and not behind the counter so the crook couldn't take any money. After that, Harper said the would-be-burglar headed toward the back of the store.

"They walked toward the back like they were going to go into the office. I feel like they knew what they were looking for," said Harper.

The crook ran into the owner's son, who happened to be at the store at 3am. Harper said it scared the burglar off. The entire break-in took less than 90 seconds.

Harper was grateful the crook didn't get anything.

"With the lashes that we have here, they're really valuable. I mean, we've got mink lashes. We've got color so it would have cost us a great deal if somebody would've got a hold of all that," said Harper.

The owner said six Amazing Lash Studios in the metro have been hit, with crooks getting away with money and supplies from four locations.

Harper said the thefts can be hard on small businesses.

"These are people's small businesses and their livelihood," she said.

No word on whether the lashes are re-sold or why this Amazing Lash Studios have been targeted.

Humble police tell us they are investigating the break-in in their area.