Anger as thieves steal nursery laptops

THIEVES have left youngsters ‘devastated’ after they smashed windows to steal three classroom laptops from a nursery school.

Bacup Nursery, on Cowtoot Lane, was ransacked after intruders broke through a window and managed to open the latch to gain entry overnight on Friday, July 7.

Headteacher Andrea Cooper told the Free Press that the thugs also caused ‘excessive damage’ to the windows and doors within the Bacup school, which caters for children aged two to four years old.

Lancashire police say that the thieves searched the nursery for valuables and attempted to access the safe but could not gain entry and instead stole three laptops from the nursery.

Mrs Cooper said: “A number of laptops were stolen but excessive damage was caused to windows and doors inside the building.

“The children are devastated that their classroom laptops are no longer there, children use them on a daily basis as part of teaching and learning.”

She added that upset parents and Bacup residents have since rallied round to offer donations and support.

“I have been touched by the offer of donations from some parents, we have a lot of parental support in all aspects of nursery school life and many parents are upset about the break in,” she said.

“We have also received a kind donation from a Bacup resident who was also very upset about the break-in.

“I would encourage anyone who knows anything to contact the police as soon as possible.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We were alerted around 8am on Saturday, July 8.

“They smashed through a window and managed to open the latch to let themselves in, activating the alarm.

“They searched inside and attempted to enter the safe, and have taken three laptops and left again through the window.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 439 on July 8, or alternative Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.