Early Years Lightcliffe on Leeds Road is broken into

Early Years Lightcliffe, a nursery, pre-school and after-school club based at the Christ Church Centre on Leeds Road in Lightcliffe, is urging people to come forward with any information as it recovers from being broken into for the second time in two months.

The first break-in at Early Years Lightcliffe (Image: UGC)

On Wednesday, September 4, thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to the property and hundreds of pounds were stolen. 

Despite new front doors being fitted, and work to increase security, the building was hit again on the night of Thursday, November 7.

Hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused again and a number of tablet devices were stolen. 

The second break-in at Early Years Lightcliffe (Image: UGC)

Glass doors were smashed at the front of the building - which is clearly visible from the busy Leeds Road - on both occasions and the nursery's team is hoping someone might have information about what happened.

Sam Pearson, manager of Early Years Lightcliffe, said: “Being targeted once was bad enough but for the team to face a second break-in just two months later, with more damage and more items stolen is soul destroying.

Staff and children at Early Year Lightcliffe (Image: UGC)

“We are based in the community, for the community and can’t believe someone or some people would attack a place that supports and nurtures dozens of children from across Lightcliffe, Hipperholme and beyond.

"We hope the police take this crime as seriously as we do given the repeat offence and its impact.

“The one positive to come from this is the huge support we have received from our parents, carers and neighbours who have been raising money to replace the items taken and for the increased security we were already planning but is now even more of a priority.

“Thank you to everyone for their efforts and we hope it shows that good will always overcome those determined to cause pain and hurt by their actions.”

The police are also asking people to come forward with information.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “The crime relates to the burglary on November 7 at that location that we are investigating.

“Anyone with information or who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat at westyorkshire.police.uk/live chat quoting crime reference number 13240609069.”