An estimated $5000 worth of playground equipment was stolen from Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Ngākau Mahana in Auckland’s Henderson over the weekend.
In a statement, police said: “Who would steal a childcare centre’s playground?”
Waitematā West Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone said the childcare centre was hit between 4.30pm on Friday and 7am on Sunday.
“The offender, or offenders, came into the centre on Smythe Rd and removed several items,” she said.
She said slides, climbing structures, ladders, blocks, bridges and a circular swing were all taken from the children’s play area.
Freestone said the “thoughtless act” left around 30 children without outdoor play equipment.
“These aren’t exactly small items and would have required a vehicle to transport them.”
Police said anyone who may be offered playground equipment to buy, or given as a gift, should be cautious.
“I’m asking anyone who saw something that stood out as odd or didn’t look right, to contact us,” Freestone said.
She said police wanted to hear from anyone who suspected items being sold or gifted to them might be stolen equipment.
“It’s pretty appalling that people would think to target such an important place such as a childcare centre.
“Our message to the offenders is this: Think about the children and return this equipment.”
Information can be provided to police online, by calling 105, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
