LOW life thieves have broken into a Northwich nursery and stolen a dozen tablets and cash from a charity box.

The crooks are believed to have broken into Hartford Old School House Day Nursery on School Lane, Hartford overnight on Sunday.

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Sarah Butler, the manager of the nursery, explained how she was alerted to the break in when she arrived for work on Monday morning and quickly called the police after spotting a broken window.

"I arrived at about 7am this morning (Monday, June 21) and I realised there was door wide open to one of our mobile units," she said.

"And then as I've come through the gate I saw the smashed window and immediately locked the gate and phoned the police.

"As well as causing damage to an external door, there are three smashed windows and they've gained entry to the office and smashed that up too.

"They've stolen what they could get hold of tablet wise (approximately 12) and they also helped themselves to £30 from a charity money box and £40 from the petty cash tin."

Staff were called into action straight away, with parents alerted that the doors to the nursery, which normally has around 115 children in its care, would not be opening due to the police forensics team on site and the huge clear up that was required.

"It's the fact we've had to let parents and children down this morning," Sarah added.

"We had children walking away crying because they really wanted to come to nursery and don't understand why they can't.

"Thankfully one of our parents is a handyman so he's been able to come and board up the windows and a glazier is coming to fit new windows on Tuesday.

"We even had a lady turn up this morning who saw our post about it on Facebook and she'd brought chocolates for everyone to help keep us going.

"The community spirit is just so nice.

"We just want to thank the parents for their patiences and to the community for all their efforts and kindness."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "At 7.10am on Monday, June 21 Police were called to reports of a burglary at a children's nursery on School Lane, Hartford.

"Sometime over the weekend unknown offenders have forced entry into the building by smashing a number of windows.

"Once inside they have conducted an untidy search and stolen a number of items.

"Enquiries in relation to the incident are in the early stages and anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1018617."

Information can also be reported online at www.cheshire.police.uk/tua.