Overview

• At about 3:30 am on July 24 a black ute reversed into La La Nail Co’s Essendon North frontage, spray-painting “Pay your tick you fat dog” before its driver fled on foot.
• Victoria Police have opened an investigation into the incident as a deliberate attack but have not yet identified any suspects or established a motive.
• The July 24 ram raid is the latest in a three-month crime spree against the salon, following a May break-in and a June hammer assault on its windows.
• Owners posted on Instagram that the emotional toll of repeated property damage has been immense and say they are reconsidering whether the business can continue.
• Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers and have highlighted the risk posed to residents in the apartment block above the salon.