A preschool in a village hall was broken into by thieves who stole all the children's electronics.
Capenhurst Preschool in the village hall on Capenhurst Lane, Cheshire, was broken into over the weekend by thieves who stole a number of electronics used for the children's education.
Cheshire Police believe the incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning and the thieves broke in through the village hall's fire escape.
READ MORE: Fears knife crime is 'taking over our streets' as man stabbed to death
Norma Wilson, the preschool's owner, told the ECHO she was "frustrated" and "sad" at the incident that saw items including an iPad, PlayStation and Microwave stolen.
Ms Wilson, 62, said: "When I got there it was in a sorry state. They'd pulled the fronts off the cupboards and strewn the confidential folders all over the floor.
"They were obviously looking for money but I don't keep that at the preschool — I take that home with me.
"Out of the cupboards, they've taken an iPad, a microwave, toaster, a PlayStation and the controllers. They've even taken the WIFI plug out of the wall so we can't get any connection.
"They've just taken anything they think they can make some money on.
"I'm frustrated and sad. I've worked here for 22 years and nothing like this has ever happened before."
Ms Wilson said the items can be replaced but she and her staff are saddened by the fact thieves have targeted a children's space so close to Christmas.
She added: "I can replace them — there's not a great amount gone, but it's still not nice. It's an awful time of the year to be burgled.
"I don't even want the items back now, I'd rather just replace them.
"The people who did it are really sad and need help. I've got no sympathy for them whatsoever.
"At a children's preschool you know what happens here. You can see by the look of the room it's a children's environment.
"They've taken things away that we need for the children's education. The children like coming to the preschool and enjoying the things they've taken away.
"Myself and the staff are very saddened."
Ms Wilson said the only positive has been the community's reaction who quickly rallied behind the preschool and organised a Just Giving fundraiser for the school.
She said: "The fundraiser is lovely, it really is. I feel a bit of a fraud — I didn't know people felt so strongly about the preschool.
"It's really nice to see. It's definitely made me feel a bit happier today."
Commenters on the Pride in the Port Facebook Group expressed their disappointment at the burglary.
Nicola Cox said: "This is disgusting and heartbreaking. This is my son's preschool and he loves it there. Norma and team all work very hard and make it a lovely, happy place to be."
Hayley Massey added: "So angry about this. Taking things from children is the lowest of the low. Norma and team work so hard for the children, it's heartbreaking."
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "At 11am on Sunday 19 December police were called to reports of a burglary at in a nursery at Capenhurst & Ledsham Village Hall.
"Unknown offenders gained entry into the building and stole two hoovers and a computer.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML-1159619."
The preschool's fundraiser can be found here.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
