St James Nursery and Pre-School in Shirley break-in

St James Nursery and Pre-School, in Shirley, was targeted for the second time in three years on Monday, at around 8.30pm.

• Pre-school targeted in overnight attempted burglary for second time in six months

It is alleged that two thieves ripped a parasol in the nursery's garden out of the ground, causing wreckage to the astro turf.

The garden is where one 'bubble' of nursery pupils have been having lessons, following Covid-19 measures to separate children into groups.

• 'We are very hurt and upset': Vandals break into nursery

Owner Natasha Li, 55, said: "We were broken into before, when they smashed a door, but this is the first time that it's had a direct impact on the children.

"Two people broke in over the locked garden gates, came into the front garden, and clearly came for that parasol.

"During this period, we've been trying to keep children as safe as possible, in two bubbles and outside classrooms.

"We had a really secure, really safe environment, and in the hot weather, it's been a lifesaver. So when the manager walked in and was faced with this, we were just completely shocked."

Natasha, who has owned the independent nursery for the last 15 years, added that they have since had to combine the two separate bubbles of children.

"It's caused such disruption that we can't use that garden now without quite a lot of work and expense," said Natasha.

"We explained to children why we couldn’t use that garden, and there was such shock on their faces that somebody been into nursery while they were in bed.

"It was really sad to see for them, they were devastated. This is really cruel."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "We received a report that there had been a theft at St James Nursery and Pre-School, Winchester Road in Shirley, between 8.55pm and 9.25pm on 10 August.

"A large parasol was stolen which also caused damage to some astro-turf. Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 with the reference 44200306034."