BOSSES at a town pre-school are furious after thieves broke in to their building and stole £500, which was going to help buy equipment for children.

The theft happened at Toybox Pre-school, in Gatacre Road, between 6pm on Monday and 8am on Tuesday.

Three other premises have been broken into by thieves this week and officers are appealing for information.

Abbie Phillips, joint manager at the school, said: “Obviously we are sad but it is not going to knock us back in any way.

“We are quite resilient and we will keep going.”

The pre-school recently had its early years funding withdrawn over fears it was not meeting childcare quality standards.

But following a good inspection in November 2012, it is now hopeful the funding will return.

Police are also appealing for information following a break-in at a contractors premises in New Cut East, Ipswich, between 1.30pm on Friday and 7am on Monday.

Hand tools, a laptop, air rifle and vehicle keys were stolen in the raid – the keys were used to steal a white Ford van.

Two other break-ins happened between 6pm on Monday and 8am on Tuesday. The first incident involved a break-in at a car sales business in Portman’s Walk.

Cash, tobacco and a digital camera were stolen – two men were seen in the area at the time.

Thieves also broke into business supply company in Portman’s Walk, but nothing was stolen.

If you have information, call PC Adam Gibson from Ipswich on 101, quoting crime reference IC/13/121