20 children’s bikes stolen in break-in at school

THIEVES stole about 20 children’s bikes after a break-in at a school.

The theft took place at Benton Dene Primary School, on Hailsham Avenue, in Longbenton, North Tyneside, over the weekend.

Staff came in on Monday morning and found that a number of sheds had been damaged and the pushbikes were missing.

The bikes had been donated to the school and children were using them as part of a play scheme.

Police are now investigating the theft and an appeal for information has been made. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money and replace the bicycles.

Headteacher Jill Wraith said: “We were deeply upset on Monday to discover that a number of sheds around our school had been damaged and broken into over the weekend.

“The perpetrators had also stolen a significant number of bikes. It was particularly disheartening to report this theft because many of our parents and our staff had donated these bikes and we have been working incredibly hard over the last two years to extend our children’s play equipment.

“Parents and members of the community have been amazing. They have contacted the school with information for the police and have circulated information via social media.

“We have also received donations of bicycles from parents, one of whom has kindly set up a Gofundme page to purchase replacement bikes.”

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly before 8.45am on Monday, police received a report of a theft from Benton Dene School, Longbenton.

“It was reported that approximately 20 pushbikes have been stolen from the property over the weekend. It was also reported that a greenhouse and shed had been damaged during the break-in.

“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is urged to contact police, quoting reference number 233 13/07/20.”