TODDLERS have been left in tears after thieves stole their prized monkey bars from an Exeter front garden

Joanne Grimshaw, 39, a registered childminder in Shakespeare Road, Wonford, had to comfort her son, three-year-old Samuel, and three other under-fives who she looks after when the theft was discovered.

Joanne said she could not believe it when she saw the play item had been taken overnight.

She said: "I cannot understand how someone could do such a thing. It has left the children very upset.

"Samuel could only cry 'monkey bars gone' when he peered out of the window and saw what had happened.

"It was paid for through money from the Chestnut Centre to help me improve resources here and help towards the foundation stage.

"It was a dome-like structure that took me more than an hour to assemble — although it said on the box it would take only 20 minutes.

"When it was up it proved really popular with the children and was all about helping their development. They really loved it and now it has gone."

Joanne said she had scoured the area in case the climbing frame had been dumped nearby, but with no luck.

"I don't know what someone would do with it. It is made out of plastic tubing and would be very difficult to take apart.

"I am just appealing for anybody who sees it to get in touch."

Joanne said the monkey bars had been in place since February and, like the playhouse in the garden, had not attracted problems before.

"I hope it has not gone far and perhaps it has been taken away by youngsters who just want to play with it.

"If they have, I would really like to appeal to them to let me know where it is because the children miss it a great deal. If I can get it back then there is no harm done and I know youngsters round here are very good.

"It happened over Saturday night and Sunday morning and I just hope we can get them back soon for the sake of the children."

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are appealing for anybody who may have seen something suspicious, or may know where the play equipment is, to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.