Nursery school 'sad' after four break-ins in month

A nursery school has been left with a £2,500 repair bill after it was broken into four times in a matter of weeks.

Play equipment was smashed and scattered across the grounds of Aclet Close Nursery School, in Bishop Auckland, following the latest break-in over the weekend.

Head teacher Suzanne Staines said it was happening "with increasing regularity", with the four break-ins having taken place since the start of September.

"The damage and vandalism is taking resources away from our children and means they are missing out on the valuable learning experiences which we work so hard to provide," she said.

Aclet Close Nursery School offers provision for children between two and four.

Staines said the break-ins had left staff sad.

"We also want everyone in the community to be safe, including those who are putting themselves at risk by trying to enter the grounds," she added.

"We would like to ask everyone to help us by reporting any sightings of people trying to get on to school property to the police."

The school is in the process of putting additional security measures in place.

Durham Police said it carried out a "thorough investigation" into one of the previous break-ins which was reported on 12 October.

"Unfortunately, all lines of inquiry have been exhausted, and the case has been closed pending any new information," a spokesperson added.

The force asked anyone with information to get in touch.

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