- Thieves broke into Hout Bay Educare, stealing 97 prizes intended for the children’s annual debutante ball.Community members are urged to come forward with information or donations to replace stolen items.
- The incident highlights a need for increased security to protect this essential community center.
- Hout Bay Educare, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, is grappling with the aftermath of a recent break in.
The ECD is the oldest facility of its kind in the community.
Thieves broke into the centre, causing significant destruction and stealing 97 prizes intended for children participating in Saturday’s annual debutante ball.
“This senseless act of vandalism and theft has a devastating impact on our community’s most vulnerable members,” community activist Roscoe Jacobs stated. “Our children deserve a safe and nurturing learning environment, and this incident has compromised that. I urge the police to investigate this matter with utmost urgency and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The police are currently conducting an investigation into the break-in, having already taken statements from staff.
The thieves forced entry through the back door and cut off the electricity to the facility, allowing them to steal essential items like a computer keypad, three first-aid boxes, a music box, a surround sound system and some of the debutante ball prizes.
Florence Hendricks, the principal of the ECD Centre, said: “This incident will affect our ECD as we now need to employ a security guard to protect the centre. While we had security measures in place, the thieves were able to access the electricity box and switch the main power off. The security company should have noticed that the system was down for a while, but they didn’t,” Hendricks explained.
Information
In response to the break in, Jacobs is calling on the community to assist in any way possible, urging residents to come forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
He also appeals for donations to replace the stolen prizes, emphasizing the importance of community support during this time.
“The stolen prizes were meant to be given to the children at a special occasion and their loss is a significant blow,” Jacobs added. “I encourage the community to donate towards replacing these prizes so that we can ensure that these young learners can still experience the joy and excitement of the debutante ball.”
Hendricks outlined the urgent needs.
“We need to replace stolen materials, repair damaged doors and windows, install security cameras and enhance security protocols to prevent further incidents. Ensuring the centre is safe and secure is our top priority.”
As the community rallies to support the Educare Centre, local organisations and residents are encouraged to contribute in any way they can, whether through donations or by spreading the word about the importance of the Educare’s mission.
As the Hout Bay community comes together to support the Educare and its learners, the centre remains committed to rebuilding and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of their upcoming debutante ball.
For those wishing to support the Hout Bay Educare Centre, details for contributions and further information can be obtained by contacting the facility directly.
Together, the community can ensure that the children continue to have access to a nurturing and safe educational environment.
