Parents have set up an online fundraising appeal for Bramford Pre-School Playgroup, a registered charity. Hundreds of pounds have already been raised.
A window was ripped out and extensive damage was caused to doors, walls, and flooring. Charity cash was stolen and the computer was knocked over but undamaged.
The pre-school was forced to close today but will be open tomorrow for its annual sports day.
“It is just disgusting,” said parent Karen Ward, of Bramford, who helped launch the online crowdfunding page.
“It is shocking. Why would anyone want to break into a pre-school? What is possibly worth stealing in a place where two, three, and four-year-old children play? We are a small village with a small pre-school. We are charity-run and fundraise constantly. For it to just be trashed and burgled like this is shocking. How could someone dare to do that to children?
“They are real lowlife scumbags. They must have been very desperate. They must have very little conscience.
“Parents have rallied around and there has been a brilliant response. Other pre-schools have also shown support and solidarity.”
Forty-five children aged from two to four attend the pre-school.
Sharon Thompson, the pre-school’s manager, said they take every security precaution.
She said: “I feel violated and distressed. It is so upsetting, and it was so inconvenient to parents.
“It was not really what they took, but the damage they caused to external doors, flooring, and walls. The office window was ripped out. They made a hole in one of the walls by kicking it.
“They even took bottles of squash and carrier bags to take them home.
“I have been here 17 years and never had a break-in. Staff in particular are upset and angry. We have worked hard to create a safe and caring environment.”
She estimated the total cost of the damage as being £1,000.
Suffolk Constabulary urged any witnesses to call the force on 101.
The break-in took place between 4pm on Friday (June 30) and 8.25am today (July 3). The crime reference is: 37-45724-17.
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