A ute has backed into a high-end nail salon in Melbourne’s north-west, leaving a menacing message in what seems to be the third assault on the establishment since its inauguration earlier this year.

Police say a black ute reversed into the front of LaLa Nail Co in Essendon about 3.30am, smashing the front doors and damaging an interior wall.

Officers arrived at the scene to find the ute in the middle of the store, with the message “pay ur tick you fat dog” spray-painted on its side.

The offender fled the scene.

“It’s definitely targeted. The owner is quite young and just launched a new business. This marks the third attack she’s faced,” a local resident noted.

The owner of the nail salon said they were reconsidering whether to continue with the business.

“This is not the first time our business has been impacted by such incidents,” LaLa Nails said in an Instagram post.

“The repeated damage to our premises, our reputation, and most importantly, the safety of those around us — including the residents who live in the building — has left us shattered.

“The risk to innocent people is what concerns us the most.”

The emotional toll of the repeated incidents was “immense”, the owner said.

“We are three months into this ongoing situation, and the impact on our wellbeing and mental health is significant.

“We are now faced with the difficult question of whether we can continue.”

In a separate Instagram story, the owner, who identified herself as ‘Sam’, said she was “broken” by the ram-raid.

“How many times can a person be knocked down,” she asked.

“These people are just pure evil.

“I’m really not sure if I have anything left to give. I almost lost my house trying to get this place open and it’s only been three months.”

Police are treating the incident as targeted, but investigations remain ongoing.

In June, offenders used a hammer to smash the front windows of the store.

9News understands the intended target was not the owners of the salon, but someone who they are linked to.