Crèches strain under burglary losses
Wentworth crèches are under fire with thieves targeting them.
EARLY childhood development centres (ECD) have become soft targets for criminals, following another break-in at a Wentworth crèche.
Burglar guards were ripped off the walls at Little People Crèche at Christ the King Catholic Church, which was hit with three break-ins in one week, leaving principal, Jenny Osborne distraught and children without necessary learning tools.
“Some of the items stolen can never be replaced. We previously had no resources and were fortunate when the Unlimited Child trained our staff and sponsored our children with a very expensive teaching kit. Play dough, Lego and books were among the items stolen from the international donor’s kit. A microwave, DVD player, camping bag and reams of copying paper were also stolen, along with all the soap and toilet paper,” said Wentworth Crèche Forum’s (WCF) Romany Roberts.
This is not the first crèche to be looted in the area. Excel Crèche’s burglaries reach into double figures. According to the WCF, a number of cases, including the break-ins at Excel and Little People have been reported at Wentworth police station, with little success and minimal feedback.
“Who is suffering? It is the young children who are suffering because of these thefts. We appeal to Wentworth SAP to assist the crèches and for urgent and swift action on their part. The criminals will continue to prey on innocent persons if they keep getting away with it. We appeal to the community to help, as the stolen items are in someone’s house, or are being sold in the streets. We urge people to report the culprits,” said WCF chairman, Pearl Windvogel.
