Exeter nursery school toys theft

THIEVES have broken into a city pre-school and stolen dozens of toys.
The culprits are thought to have jumped over the fence surrounding the garden area of Tic Tocs Day Nursery in Haldon Road, St David's, and ransacked the building.
They left many of the toys scattered around the car park but made off with many of the children's favourite playthings, including two tricycles, a toy pushchair and a toy wheelbarrow.
Tic Tocs manager Maddie Smale said: "Neighbours think they saw a group of men jump over the fence.
"Someone discovered the toys all over the car park and the neighbours threw some of them back over the fence.
"We called the police and they came in and had a chat with the children. They have also helped us improve security measures."
The nursery, which has 76 children, has now marked all of its toys with special UV pens; it has better locks on the windows and safety stickers; and has put security paint on the fence.
Ms Smale said: "This is the first time we have had a break in but the neighbours say there are often people mucking about in the car park.
"It is disgusting that someone will take toys from children. One of the parents has been very kind and brought in little toys from her home."
Pre-school room leader Vicki Matthews said: "It was a very unpleasant thing to happen and it was unkind to the children because now they have got no equipment to play with.
"The kids were sad and a few did get really upset. The community police have come here every day to reinforce safety measures and spoke to children about how the keep their stuff safe."
Lily Chase, four, who attends the nursery, said: "I am sad because someone has stolen our bikes — a naughty boy has stolen them away."
Callum Holder, four, said: "I want the toys back. I was sad because these nasty people took our bikes."
The red tricycles which were stolen are worth £80 each and are red with black seats and handlebars, and made by Pelikan Design.
The theft occurred some time between 6pm on Friday, June 12, and 7am on Monday, June 15.
Police say they currently have no suspects. Anyone who has any information about the incident should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting DE/09/6582.

(Reproduced from thisisexeter.co.uk, 20th June)

GARDIEN TIP: Secure storage of toys and equipment is recommended. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-outbuilding-security.aspx and for maximum security go to http://www.garden-security.co.uk/Steel-Storage-Unit.aspx