Thieves have put a charity play project at risk by stealing a new shed which had been bought to house toys and equipment.

The Toddlers of Tilbury Toy Loan Scheme was launched two years ago by Thurrock Play Network and local residents. It had just been given extra funding to buy new toys and extra storage for the toy library.

But within three weeks of a new £500 shed being erected near the group's base at Tilbury Family Centre it has been dismantled and stolen by thieves.

The raiders were caught on CCTV cameras at the centre at St Chad's School, St Chad's Road, as they lifted heavy sections of the shed over an eight-foot fence. But, so far, the video footage has not helped to identify the culprits.

Carol O'Regan, manager of Thurrock Play Network, said: "This selfish act has put the future of the project in jeopardy as we cannot afford a replacement."

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the shed is asked to contact police on 01375 391212 quoting incident number 0471.

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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