CHILDREN were turned away from their playgroup after thieves smashed their way in leaving a trail of broken glass.
Mytholmroyd Playgroup, based in the community centre, in Caldene Avenue, Myth-olmroyd, was raided earlier this week.
Thieves used a gate, which secured the outside play area, as a ladder and smashed a window to get in.
They escaped with a compu
ter hard drive tower, printer and digital camera, as well as cheques meant for staff wages.
Staff member Julie Wilby said: "It's really disheartening to arrive at work and find all that destruction.
"There was glass everywhere so there was no way we could have the children there. It was just too dangerous.
"Of course, that meant a lot of inconvenience for the parents who had to make alternative arrangements."
She added: "It makes you so angry because it's all so mindless what they've done.
"The playgroup is a charity which relies on donations and grants, it's not so easy to just go out and buy new things to replace what's been taken. They just don't care about how much hard work everyone in the community has put in to make this a success. It's really upsetting."
The Courier reported last week how burglars had raided Mytholm-royd youth club, based in the same building. A music system, speakers, an Xbox and digital cameras were stolen then.
Police are investigating both raids and scenes of crime officers visited the playgroup on Wednesday.
A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Patrols have been increased in the area in light of recent events. Inquiries are continuing and we urge anyone with information to contact police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestop-pers anonymously on 0800 555111."
The full article contains 286 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
