Community rallies round after nursery burgled twice

Sam Pearson, manager at Early Years Lightcliffe, said the two break-ins were "soul destroying"

Parents have raised more than £1,000 for a nursery after thieves broke into the building on two occasions.

Early Years Lightcliffe, near Halifax, suffered the two "soul-destroying" burglaries in the space of two months.

Thousands of pounds' worth of damage was caused and cash and equipment stolen.

Mother Laura Sheehan started a fundraising campaign after the crimes because she wanted to support the staff who had "always supported" her.

Rocks were used to shatter windows and doors

Early Years Lightcliffe is a committee-run, not-for-profit pre-school that holds play sessions in the Christ Church Centre.

The nursery's manager, Sam Pearson, discovered the first break-in on 4 September when she found the doors to the building had been smashed open.

"We just couldn't believe it. We are in an old church building with old doors, they had smashed the glass panel and come through using a rock."

On this occasion £500 was taken from her office in the 150-year-old building. It had been donated at fundraising discos and bake sales.

"All the money we raise goes back into the children; resources, parties or day trips.

"It was a lot of effort to raise."

Thieves gained entry to the building for a second time, smashing through newly installed doors.

Despite efforts to improve security, including the installation of new doors, the nursery was targeted again.

West Yorkshire Police said they received reports of a burglary at the property on Leeds Road on 7 November .

The new doors were smashed and thieves gained entry to Ms Pearson's office. Tablets used by staff to send parents updates about their children were stolen.

Ms Pearson, who has worked at Early Years Lightcliffe for nearly 16 years, and described it as "everything" to her, said she was "devastated" by the second break-in.

“Being targeted once was bad enough, but for the team to face a second break-in just two months later is soul-destroying."

Laura Sheehan decided to start one of the fundraising campaigns to support the nursery.

Despite the "upsetting" incidents, Early Years Lightcliffe staff have been "amazed" by the community rallying around them.

Ms Sheehan, whose children attended the nursery, said: "It's not a bank with thousands of pounds, it is a facility for children.

"It is really upsetting to know someone would do that".

The 33-year-old's initial fundraising target of £200 was soon surpassed and eventually reached £1,300.

Ms Sheehan said the amount raised showed how much the community appreciated the childcare service.

"It is a special part of the community, taken for granted," she added.

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