Hull tattoo artist's fury at guns raid

TATTOO guns, ink and ornamental knives worth hundreds of pounds have been stolen from a parlour in east Hull.

Police and health and safety officials are concerned the equipment could be used by amateur tattooists after the burglary at Prince John's in Holderness Road.

Criminals broke into the converted studio between 7.30pm on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday last week, near the junction of Bellfield Avenue and Holderness Road.

The studio belongs to tattooist John Betts and has been open for two-and-a-half years next to his house.

He said: "I'm absolutely furious.

"They tried to break in through the front door, the back and ended up removing slates from the roof to get in.

"I didn't have any insurance because I thought the building was secure.

"They've put the set of inks, guns and everything else into my silver bin, which had contaminated waste in.

"It seems there was definitely more than one person involved and they've put the container in a wheelie bin and gone down Marfleet Lane round the back."

Items stolen include:

Red and blue Neo Tatt Tatt tattoo guns – valued at £280 each.

A gold Ronnie Star tattoo gun – worth £140.

Several twin coil tattoo guns.

Ornamental knives.

Nunchuka with dragons engraved on it.

Top of the range inks with the brand name Eternal, worth more than £500.

John, 55, has been tattooing since he was 19 and has already spent money repairing the roof of his studio.

He said: "I don't think anyone uses the guns I have so people should know if they are sold on.

"I was in the house on my own at the time and I will definitely be putting in CCTV and looking at security."

A spokesman for Humberside Police said they are concerned the equipment could get into the wrong hands, especially as the improper use of the tattoo guns could have a damaging effect on someone's health.

She said: "Consequences can be grave if tattoos are not drawn by professionals in a sterile environment, as infection can be a risk and could lead to serious illness."

Hull City Council's health and safety team are also appealing for help in locating the specialist equipment.

A spokesman said: "It is very important that anyone thinking about getting a tattoo or piercing considers the risks involved.

"Any business that provides these services should be registered with Hull City Council and have two registration certificates on display for people to see.

"All procedures should be performed with new, clean pre-packed needles.

"People should never accept a needle that has been taken out of liquid, it could lead to infection. The most important thing is for people to trust their instincts.

"If they enter a premise and don't like what they hear or see, they should leave."

Anyone with information about the crime, should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting crime reference 1982450, or call Crimestoppers for free and anonymously on 0800 555111.

You can also report people who may be conducting this practice illegally by calling Trading Standards at Hull City Council on 01482 300300.