Day care centre cleaned out by thieves

And rounding out what can only be described as a victorious day for the forces of evil, is news of a burglary that has left one neighbourhood institution in major distress.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

The Port Loyola Day Care Centre was left in shambles after a thief or thieves broke into the establishment sometime on Monday night and cleaned out the place, stealing a refrigerator, radio, cabinet, books and fans. The culprits gained access into the building by prying open a front louver window.

Georgia Neal, Supervisor, Day Care Centre

“Yes, it is pretty frustrating because when I came this morning, I was like, oh my goodness. I was thinking about my job, if it would be affected by this and things like that. But then I said, you know what, I gotta leave everything in God’s hands.”

It’s not the first time that thieves have broken into the day care centre, but supervisor Georgia Neal says last night’s burglary was the biggest. Neal says she cannot understand why anyone would want to break into a place that provides shelter and care for children. She says the centre is not scheduled to be open until September but if the stolen items cannot be replaced by that time, the level of services will be affected

Georgia Neal

“We are trying to function more as a day care and it’s hard to even get stuff to improve the day care, so we’re trying to do it just getting stuff little by little.”

The centre, including the preschool, has been the target of frequent break-ins and graffiti. Neal says they have also had to deal with the problem of people entering the compound and stealing water leaving them to pay a high bill. Neal says they use to have a watchman but they could no longer afford the security because of financial constraints. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.

If you would like to assist the Port Loyola day care centre in replacing any of the stolen items, contact Jenny Craig at the Department of Human Services.