A CHILDREN'S nursery has been targeted by thieves – before it has even opened.
Thieves have stolen fence panels, worth hundreds of pounds, at Tillymints Day Nursery.
Builders are putting finishing touches to the £70,000 nursery in old council offices on the junction of Orchard Park Road and Ellerburn Avenue.
But they have been hampered by two raids in recent days.
Nikki Smith, finance manager of Tillymints Day Nurseries Ltd, which has four other branches in Hull, said the thefts were "disappointing".
She said: "It's extremely frustrating and very disappointing.
"There is a severe shortage of nursery places in north Hull and we're trying to do our bit for the local community, then this happens.
"We're trying to create a nice garden area for the children, but twice this week we've been targeted by thieves.
"About 12 wooden fence panels, which are not cheap, have been stolen."
Nikki has asked families in Orchard Park to act as their eyes and ears and report suspicious activity at the building site.
She said: "I would ask people to do all they can to help look after this building when it opens, it will be used by families living in Orchard Park.
"It is in everyone's interest to ensure the building is looked after.
"If anyone sees anything suspicious, I would ask them to think of the local community, do the right thing and call the police straightaway."
Both thefts happened overnight, with the first believed to have taken place on Friday, June 28, followed by another raid on Tuesday.
Nikki said the nursery, which will cater for 72 children from birth to school age, is expected to open next month.
"It will be a great local asset, that's why we want people to look after it," she said.
City councillor Terry Geraghty said: "It's a disgrace that someone would steal from a children's nursery.
"I will be speaking to the owners as well as our officers."
A Humberside Police spokesman confirmed that perimeter fencing was stolen from the building site.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call police on 101 and quote the reference number 1983262.
