Money pours in for nursery targeted in burglary which left bosses devastated

The money taken from the safe was to be used for a Christmas party, which is now in doubt.

Old Tree Nursery provides work to vulnerable adults and bosses have spoken of their heartbreak at the impact of the raid.

Sara Woodall, chief executive of Heantun Housing, said: "We are deeply devastated and shocked that Old Tree Nursery would be targeted in this way, particularly considering its objectives to support vulnerable people across the local community.

"If anyone has any information or has seen anything suspicious at the time of the incident, I urge you to contact the police."

Juliet Cooper, who is commercial manager, discovered the site had been targeted when she went to open up just before 9am on Wednesday.

The raiders had forced their way inside through a rear door.

A large safe was taken from the office – with more than £1,000 of cash inside that was saved for a Christmas party for students alongside ticket money for an upcoming show.

An online campaign to raise money for the nursery has surpassed its £1,000 target - with £2,325 raised and rising.

Mrs Cooper, who has worked there for six months, said: "Everything was turned upside down in the office and the safe had been dragged outside and taken.

"The sad thing is that these are vulnerable adults that have been left devastated by this. They have been asking us why and we can't answer them."

All income and profit received from sales is ploughed back into the nursery to support the employment, education and training of people with learning difficulties and other vulnerabilities within the local community.

The nursery holds weekly workshops with students who help around the site with planting, hospitality and making crafts to be sold in the gift shop.

Gayna Miles, tutor, added: "We will not let this beat us and we will carry on in the best way possible."

A statement from Staffordshire Police said: "Between 4.30pm on October 4 and 9am the following day, offenders broke into The Old Tree Nursery, Pendeford Hall Lane, by forcing a rear door.

"After an untidy search was made, a safe and cash till were stolen.

"The safe contained a substantial amount of cash which was for a Christmas party for the disabled group/team members who volunteer at the nursery.

"Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 147 of October 5."

A GoFundMe page to donate is at www.gofundme.com/2szptpw