Window smashed and hundreds of pounds stolen in Brookside Pre-school break-in
Brookside Pre-School in Ipswich was broken into over the weekend. L-R Shane O'Halloran (chair of trustees), Melissa Bedford, Kerrie Webster (manager). - Credit: Archant
Burglars have trashed an Ipswich pre-school, stealing hundreds of pounds.
Brookside Pre-School’s office was targeted in the break-in between Friday night and Sunday morning.
Kerrie Webster, manager of the school, said: “We came along on Sunday morning and found the window was all smashed up.
“It’s upsetting, we feel violated – this is a place for children – we did not expect people to break in.
“We do not want it to affect the children – they feel safe here.”
Shane O’Halloran, chairman of the school’s trustees, said it was lucky the burglars were unable to get through to the rest of the school.
“This is shocking and disgraceful,” he said.
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“This is a nursery, a preschool for children to play, learn skills and progress; it’s disappointing that someone has gone and done this.
“We are a charity and we are not a private-run business, we rely on fundraising to get money for the organisation.”
The burglars managed to steal the school safe which contained up to £200 as well as cheques and keys. Three filing cabinets were damaged and will have to be replaced.
The school, which more than 60 children attend, shares its ground with Gusford Primary School in the Chantry area.
Pre-school staff also put on after-school activities for children between Year 4 and Year 6.
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
