Raiders take playgroup toys

Children at a Telford playgroup were left in tears today after finding out thieves had stolen hundreds of pounds worth of toys.The thieves scaled an 8ft high security fence at Leegomery Under-fives Playgroup, based at Leegomery Community Centre, before opening the gate to flee.

Staff discovered the theft at 8.30am today. The thieves struck between 1pm on Friday and this morning.

The haul included a Wendy house worth £100, two Smody cars worth £120, a water tray worth £250, along with eight tricycles, a basketball hoop and other items.

Telford police spokesman Chris Ammonds said: "Somebody has got into the secured yard and taken all of the toys from Leegomery Under-Five Playgroup's yard and shed.

"They have scaled an 8ft high fence and then opened the gate from inside to get all of the toys out. This was a particularly upsetting incident for the staff and youngsters."

It is the second time the playgroup has been targeted. Committee chairman Lucy Barnley said: "Everything has gone. The poor little children don't deserve this.

"We are all voluntary so we haven't got any extra cash to buy them again. I cannot believe anyone would do this."

Playgroup manager Kath Smith said: "It's devastating."

Anybody with information about the theft is asked to call police on 08457 444888.