Parents in Caerphilly county whose children attend a playgroup have been left devastated after a thief broke in and stole a number of electronics. The owners of Markham Playgroup and the charity who own the building they use have expressed deep sadness over the break-in, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, August 12. Laptops, cameras, and tablets, which are essential for teaching the children how to use computers, were taken during the burglary.
Markham Playgroup operates out of the Markham Miners Welfare Institute, a building with a rich history dating back to 1928 when it was constructed with contributions from miners themselves. Today, the charity that manages the institute, Markham Miners Welfare Scheme, is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about preserving the area’s industrial heritage and supporting the local community.
The burglary, captured on CCTV footage, shows a thief entering the building at around 12:50 am and leaving seven minutes later with several laptops, tablets, and cameras. These devices are crucial for the children of Markham Playgroup, who range in age from two to four years old, to learn computer skills.
Emma Williams, Chair of Markham Miners Welfare Scheme, expressed her deep sadness and upset over the break-in, emphasizing the impact it has on the charity’s operations and the need for additional funds to improve security. Despite the setback, she remains committed to the organization’s mission of supporting the coal mining community.
In response to the burglary, the community has rallied together, with one parent launching a fundraising page to help the playgroup recover from the theft. Helen Williams, the owner of Markham Playgroup, was touched by the outpouring of support from the community, stating that it shows how much they care and appreciate the hard work put into the playgroup.
Gwent Police confirmed the items stolen during the burglary and stated that their investigations are ongoing. They have urged anyone with information or relevant CCTV footage to come forward and assist with the case.
If you would like to support Markham Playgroup in recovering from the burglary, you can donate to their GoFundMe page. The incident has been a setback for the playgroup and the charity that supports them, but with the help of the community, they are determined to overcome this challenge and continue providing valuable services to local families.