UK COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/9588941.Worthing_thieves_target_nursery_after_charity_grant/

Worthing thieves target nursery after charity grant

3:40pm Wednesday 14th March 2012 inNews

Burglars could be targeting nurseries that have been given grants to buy state-of-the-art equipment for children.

Police are warning playgroups to be alert after burglars struck at the Ashdown Centre, in Worthing, taking specialist computers for children with physical disabilities and special needs.

The thieves broke into the building in Ashdown Road on Thursday and stole computers and cameras belonging to Ashdown Road Playgroup, which shares the building.

Sussex Police have sent warnings to pre-schools and nurseries in the area after a number were broken into after buying equipment using money from grants.

Ashdown manager Charlotte Brackley said the building did not have a burglar alarm because there had not been a need for one before.

However, she said no equipment will be replaced until an alarm has been installed.

She said: “The thieves broke into all the cupboards to find anything of value but we don’t keep money or medicines on the premises.”

Eileen Gardiner, the manager of the playgroup, lost her personal camera containing sentimental pictures of a family 40th birthday.

Cameras which were being used by the children to take photographs of themselves to make special Mother’s Day presents were also taken.

Joe Kirk, from the trust, said staff were “devastated” the equipment had been stolen.The Ashdown Centre was given a grant by the Downlands Educational Trust last year to buy equipment for its children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome and ADHD.

Both the playgroup and the centre have reopened.

In total four cameras, one PC and two laptops were stolen.

Sergeant Simon Smith said: “We have been raising awareness among other local playgroups to offer crime prevention advice to ensure their buildings are properly secured.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 304 of 9/3.