NURSERY staff have expressed thanks to the community who rallied round in support after a recent burglary.

Sometime between 4pm on Saturday, August 6 and the morning of Monday, August 8, the rear door at the Smiley Happy People in Launceston was forced open, and items stolen, including iPods, a Makita cordless power drill with charger and battery and a petty cash tin.

Vron Walters, nursery owner, said the burglary was discovered on the Monday morning. She said: “They damaged the door beyond repair so we needed a new door. We went to Howdens and they donated one to us. Staff from the Gateway Tile Centre came over and fitted it for us, donated their time.”

Others who also offered support to staff at the nursery were Gareth Horrell, from Southern Court Garage, Cheryl Reddicliffe and Andy Williams, who donated a new filing cabinet, and computer support from Graham Sleeman.

Flower Scene allowed nursery staff to have a key at short notice for St Thomas Church Hall, where the children could go while police carried out their investigations.

Ms Walters added: “All the staff pulled together and offered to come in extra. It’s been incredible how people have just offered to help. We are really humbled by it. Probably one or two people have done something just despicably bad and horrible, but the support afterwards far exceeds the horrible act.”

Police would like to hear from anyone offered the items taken for sale, or who noticed anything suspicious over that weekend.

Anyone with information that could help this investigation is asked to contact the police by email at [email protected] or by calling call 101, quoting reference CR/054401/16.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org