Who would steal a childcare centre¡¯s playground?
It¡¯s a question °Â²¹¾±³Ù±ð³¾²¹³Ù¨¡ West Police would like to find out as an appeal is issued over a burglary at a Henderson centre.
During the weekend, thieves have stolen a number of items from Te K¨hanga Reo o Te Ng¨¡kau Mahana.
Those items include slides, climbing structures and ladders from the children¡¯s play area.
Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone, from the °Â²¹¾±³Ù±ð³¾²¹³Ù¨¡ West Tactical Crime Unit, describes the burglary as a ¡°thoughtless act¡±, which leaves around 30 children without outdoor play equipment.
¡°We believe the offending has taken place between 4.30pm on Friday afternoon and 7am on Sunday.
¡°The offender, or offenders, came into the centre on Smythe Road and removed several items.¡±
It is estimated the equipment is valued at around $5000. Included in the list are bridges, blocks and a circular swing.
¡°These aren¡¯t exactly small items and would have required a vehicle to transport them,¡± Detective Sergeant Freestone says.
¡°I¡¯m asking anyone who saw something that stood out as odd or didn¡¯t look right, to contact us.¡±
Police are also appealing to anyone who might be offered playground equipment to buy, or given as a gift, to be cautious.
Detective Sergeant Freestone says:? ¡°We want to hear from anyone that might find themselves in a situation like this, and they suspect it¡¯s the stolen equipment.
¡°It¡¯s pretty appalling that people would think to target such an important place such as a childcare centre.
¡°Our message to the offenders is this ¨C think about the children and return this equipment.¡±
Information can be provided by updating Police online now or by calling 105.
Please reference the file number 241209/0008.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/51½ÖÉä
