A preschool in the Auckland suburb of Ōtara has been trashed and had items stolen after an alleged break-in over the weekend.
Police said the Ōtara Community Preschool was broken into sometime between 9am on December 7 and 6pm on December 8.
Photos provided by police show destroyed and scattered stationary and footprints smeared on the floor of the premises.
Nine internal windows were smashed, and a microwave, oven and computers were damaged, police said.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager Inspector Rakana Cook described the behaviour as “frankly disgusting”.
“This is an awful situation, a preschool has been left footing the bill for this crime and children are now without their belongings and educational resources.”
Cook said police were working hard to identify and locate those responsible.
“We are now asking for the public’s assistance for any information which may help us to hold this person, or people, to account.
“A number of people have come forward with information and spoken to police since this incident, and we ask anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch.”
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105.
