KEIGHLEY residents are being urged to rally round a beleaguered nursery that has been repeatedly targeted by thieves and vandals.

Keighley Community Nursery, in Braithwaite Grove, is hoping to recoup some of the money it has lost fixing the damage caused by criminals.

It has started a fundraising raffle, which will run for the next ten months, and would like businesses to donate items for prizes.

As reported in the Keighley News in 2011, 2012 and 2014, the nursery has experienced long-running problems with theft and vandalism.

Nursery manager, Joanna Smith, said the latest burglary happened on January 28, when thieves crow-barred their way into the building, then used the same tools to remove a safe that was bolted to the floor.

Miss Smith added: "They caused thousands of pounds worth of damage just getting inside.

"They forced off security bars, smashed a door, ripped plaster off the wall and trashed a cabinet.

"The safe was later found a couple of fields away, damaged beyond repair, and all the money that had been inside gone. Because of what's been happening we don't keep a lot of money in the nursery overnight, but we do have fee-paying parents, so we need some petty cash to use as a float.

"This is the third break-in we've had in the past two years where they've gone for the safe. Even having the safe replaced will cost £500, then we'll also need to pay to have it bolted to the floor again. The costs are endless.

"This is money we could have instead spent on trips out and new resources for the children. We'd love to have a lively, stimulating outside space for the children, but because of the vandalism, we can't afford to leave anything outside. It would just get stolen or destroyed."

Miss Smith said she is particularly keen for donations of prizes such as Easter eggs, spa experience days, hampers, pamper kits and toys.

Contact the nursery on 01535 665648 or visit keighleycommunitynursery.org.uk to offer help.

Inspector Alan Rhees-Cooper, of Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This building was subject to a previous burglary and criminal damage offences in the spring and summer last year.

"Neighbourhood officers are aware of these offences and suitable crime prevention advice has been offered. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the perpetrators used considerable force to gain entry, including removing metal security shutters.

"We urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the vicinity of the nursery on the evening of January 28, or indeed anyone with information about those responsible, to call 101 for Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team."