Thief caught stealing from a playgroup on CCTV

A thief broke into a playgroup on Monday and stole tablets used to teach children how to use computers.

Helen Williams, who owns Markham playgroup in Blackwood, Caerphilly, said she felt "destroyed" by the burglary.

She said she has been overwhelmed by the response of parents who have begun fundraising to replace the technology before the children return in September.

Police said their investigation is ongoing.

The thief entered the building at around 12:50 BST on Monday

Ms Williams went to check on the playgroup on Monday and discovered two laptops, six tablets and a camera had been stolen.

The playgroup owner said: "I was absolutely gutted that someone would take them off the children in the community. I feel destroyed."

The children, aged between 2 years and 4 years, use the technology to learn how to use computers.

One parent started a fundraising page after hearing the news.

"It shows the people in the community really care. We work so hard, and it is overwhelming that a parent would set this up, it makes me feel appreciated," said Ms Williams.

Gwent Police said it attended the scene after receiving reports of a forced entry believed to have happened between 12:50 and 01:00.