Almost £800 raised for Tilehurst nursery broken into during coronavirus lockdown

RELATED: 'This is devastating': Tilehurst nursery caring for children of key workers targeted by thieves

Residents described the burglary as 'sick' following news that the nursery, which has remained open to care for the children of key workers, was targeted.

Norcot Early Years Centre, Lyndhurst Road, was broken into on the weekend of April 11 - and the nursery say that this is the second break in during lockdown.

A spokesman from Thames Valley Police said: "It was reported that garden furniture had been stolen from Norcot Nursery School.

"This happened at some stage between 5pm on April 11 and 9.25am on April 13."

A Just Giving page has been set up to raise cash to replace the stolen garden furniture.

So far, £795 has been given - as donations supersede the initial target of £500.

The page states: "This is devastating to see, especially as the nursery is remaining open to care for the children of key workers.

"We would like to raise funds to help towards the cost of replacing the stolen items, including the garden equipment which gives the staff somewhere to sit in the sunshine on their well deserved breaks.

Responding to the story on The Chronicle's Facebook page, Hayley Louise Wall said: "Sick - what is wrong with these people?"

Commenting on the Just Giving Page, an anonymous donator said: "Really sorry to hear that you have been broken into twice, both my granddaughters have been to your nursery."

Another said: "Thanks everyone at Norcot for your hard work and dedication, stay safe", while one commented: "I feel immensely proud by our Norcot parents and community. Thank you."

Crowdfunding organiser Ruth Gingell said: "Thank you so much for all of your kind support so far. "Over 75 per cent of our target in just a few hours.

"Just shows what an important part of our lives this amazing place is.

"Any additional funds raised will go to the nursery to use towards any resources or equipment they need."