Helter Skelter Custom Tattoo Studio, Duke Street broken into

Helter Skelter Custom Tattoo Studio, which is partly owned by Nick and Karen Devine, was broken into last night, with thieves making off with thousands of pounds worth of cash and equipment.

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Equipment belonging to all seven tattoo artists based at the Duke Street venue has been taken, as well as cash and an "irreplaceable" guitar belonging to Nick's dad who died years ago.

The police are involved and an investigation is underway.

The Devine family have been focussed on helping their youngest son Joey after he suffered a sudden brain haemorrhage in November leaving him having to relearn how to walk and talk.

Karen Devine said this is "just the last thing" the family needed.

She said: "It's just disgusting because on top of everything else we've had to deal with, this is just the last thing we needed.

"This happened last night and when one of the guys went to open up this morning they called Nick, who was actually having a day off, to tell him.

"Turns out they broke in downstairs then got in to our shop upstairs.

"The equipment, power supplies, money from the cash box and everything has gone, and they've dumped some items in bins further down the road.

"The worst thing, other than seven families being out of pocket now because of this, is that Nick had a guitar in the shop which belonged to his dad who has now died, they took that as well.

"As you can imagine he's distraught because it's irreplaceable and worth nothing monetary wise really.

"I just can't believe people could do this, I would understand if they went in and took money, but to take everything else which is no good to them is just horrible.

"Two artists have only just bought their equipment, so they have to start from scratch again."

We are appealing for information after a report a tattoo studio was burgled in St Helens.

Police confirmed they received the report just before 9.50am on Thursday.

It is believed offenders forced entry to the back door of the premises before taking a tattoo machine, equipment and cash.

Officers attended and forensic, CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.

You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100439120 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.