TODDLERS are devastated after their play equipment was stolen.

Police said thieves clambered into a fenced-off area outside Crossways Village Hall and helped themselves to a selection of kit including a Wendy house, a slide, a trampoline and a climbing frame.

The items, worth several hundred pounds, have either been donated by parents or bought by Crossways Playgroup with cash they have raised over the months.

A play tunnel as well as a children’s table and benches were also taken.

Thieves also broke into the hall and stole a digital camera and cash from a payphone, as well as ransacking cupboards.

The theft has left playgroup leader Mary Brewer fuming.

She said: “Who would want to steal from children? It’s sick.

“I really can’t see what they would want with this stuff anyway.

“The children are devastated. All their outdoor play equipment has gone.

“They went crazy when they heard – there’s nothing for them to slide or climb on.”

Mrs Brewer said a sand tray and a box of basic equipment kept indoors are the only items left for the children to play with.

She added: “The children love playing outside and in fact as part of the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage it’s a requirement that they get outdoor playing time.

“Now we’ll have to do more fundraising and buy equipment to replace the stuff that was stolen.”

The hall is in an isolated spot in Moine Combe Road and, after talking with a local farmer, Mrs Brewer suspects the thieves accessed the hall by climbing over a fence from a nearby field.

But she said: “How on Earth could they move the equipment? The slide isn’t a small one – it’s used by four-year-olds. And they must have moved the Wendy house in sections.”

Police say the thieves must have used a vehicle and are appealing for people to come forward who may have seen or heard anything suspicious last weekend.

PC Simon Lancey, of Dorset Police said: “This is a particularly mean and heartless crime as the stolen items are regularly used by toddlers at the playgroup and until they can be replaced the theft will obviously affect their enjoyment.”

He added: “I’m releasing pictures in the hope that witnesses who may see the distinctive stolen items will recognise them and contact the police.”

Call in confidence on 01305 222222 or Crimestoppers.