Thieves target toddlers' toys

Play equipment was used by children with special needs

Thieves who targeted a north Kent playgroup have left children without vital toys.

Hundreds of pounds' worth of bicycles, tricycles and prams were stolen last week from the White Road Pre-School, in Chatham.

Supervisor Helen Morrish said the theft meant toddlers were unable to play outside.

She said it was a particular problem for the group's children with special needs.

Purposely built

"We've got two dyspraxic children who really rely on the equipment to develop their control and develop their movement, and the bikes are really important to them," she said.

"We've got children with mobility problems who need the control that the dolls' prams give them so that they can get from one end of the room to the other.

"Our tricycles were purposely-built for children with leg disabilities and it is vital that the stuff is returned."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police.