Pupils and parents from Park Wood Junior School in Rainham raise £3,500 after thieves steal money jars from school
Published: 06:00, 19 February 2020
An investigation into a theft from a school of £250, which had been raised by children, has stalled until more evidence emerges.
Pots of change were taken when Park Wood School in Deanwood Drive, Rainham, was broken into on Wednesday, January 29.
Pupils were collecting 5ps to help buy new school items. They planned to count each one at Easter, with the people who collected the most getting to keep their change to buy something for the class.
The burglary happened after the school closed for the day and prompted parents to set up a fundraising page with the goal of regenerating the stolen cash.
However, it smashed the £250 target and managed to rake in £3,500 from well-wishers.
Kelly Jagga, 33, who lives near the school, set up the page and was shocked by the support.
The admin assistant said: “My goal was obviously just to raise what had been taken so to get that back plus all the additional money is just amazing.
“I spoke with the head teacher, and was told he and all the staff and children at the school are all incredibly grateful to everyone who donated the money and showed their support.
“It’s been so lovely to see how everyone can really pull together when something like this happens and you see how much it means to so many people, so it really does restore your faith in humanity.”
Head teacher Alex Moir said: “We have been absolutely amazed by the kindness of our parents, children and staff in raising these funds.
“Not only those parents who put together and contributed to the online crowd funding page, but the many who have also donated directly to the school.
“It’s been a fantastic effort from our whole community and shows that the people who do horrible things, like stealing from children, will never really win.”
However, no arrests have been made and inquiries have come to a halt.
Police spokesman Jo Pattison said: “Our officers have reviewed all available lines of inquiry and no suspects have been identified. Should new information come to light officers will deal with it appropriately.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01634 792209 quoting 30-0342.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org
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Sean McPolin