Sutton cum Lound: Thieves called 'despicable' after pre-school raid

The pre-school manager said all three cash tins had been damaged and broken into with £420 missing

Thieves who stole cash from a Nottinghamshire pre-school have been described as "despicable" by police.

The thieves gained access to a locked office at Portland Place Pre-School, in Sutton cum Lound, near Retford, between 20 October and 6 November.

Manager Emma Driver said she discovered all three cash tins had been damaged and broken into and £420 missing when she returned after half term.

Police said the theft has had a "very significant impact" on the pre-school.

Portland Place is attached to Sutton Cum Lound C of E School, in Portland Place and currently offers early years education to 28 children, aged two to five years old.

Ms Driver said she realised the theft had taken place after she saw a set of keys sticking out of the office door. She then noticed the cash tins had been tampered with and left open.

"It made me feel sick," she said. "It's absolutely disgusting.

"It was almost like the thieves had stolen from me personally because they knew they were stealing from children."

Ms Driver said the money was for new resources and running the pre-school.

She added "it takes a lot of effort and time to raise funds for the children" because Portland Place is a small charity run by a voluntary committee.

Thieves gained access to a locked office at Portland Place Pre-School between 20 October and 6 November

Committee volunteer Emma Schuller, who has set up an online fundraising page in a bid to replace the stolen funds, said everyone involved was "devastated".

She wrote a message to the thieves on the page, which read: "If you see this and this was you, please do the right thing.

"Donate to the fundraiser to replace what was taken. It isn't too late."

Ms Schuller thanked the community for supporting the pre-school, adding: "We cannot stress enough how much these donations matter and what a difference it can make to what we can offer."

Insp Keiron Hancock, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "It's despicable someone could stoop so low as to steal money intended to be used to benefit young pre-school children.

"Following this report, we have pursued all reasonable lines of inquiry, including checking for any CCTV or forensic opportunities, to trace those responsible."

Anyone with any information has been urged to contact the force by telephoning 111.

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