Teachers and children have been left “heartbroken” after toys and games were stolen from a ransacked shed in a charity pre-school in Dartford.

Broomhill Pre School had its shed left in a “complete mess” after brand new crafts and toys were nicked on Easter Sunday.

Caroline Rees, the supervisor of the pre-school attended by 45 children, said: “It has been devastating, it is heart-breaking.

“This has never happened before, the hut we share with the scouts has been broken into but that has not affected us.

“It was basically broad daylight. We had to close early because we knew we had to do a clean-up, it was left in a complete mess.”

The pre-school has been running for more than 50 years but Caroline said this was the first time it had been affected by a break in.

Michelle Forde, who has twins at the pre-school, said: “We have all been heartbroken at Broom Hill, it has really affected everyone.

“My little girl loves to do crafts and she hasn’t been able to do it this week because the pens were stolen.

“The school tried to replace some of the stuff but they can’t afford to do that – it is a not for profit organisation. Other playschools need to be aware that this kind of thing happens.”

A Kent Police spokesperson confirmed they were investigating the burglary.

He said: “We are investigating a report that a building in Broomhill Road, Dartford, was burgled on Saturday April 15.
“It is reported to have happened between 6.45pm and 7.05pm. Children’s toys were taken.”

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

The parent committee and staff at the pre-school said they are going to fundraise for a new shed to make sure toys are secure.

Michelle said: “We will be collectively organising fundraising to pay for a new secure shed - but other pre-schools might want to up security as it could happen to them.”