DOZENS of Christmas presents meant for local children have been stolen from the Gateway Centre in Ravenscliffe.
Centre manager Maureen Holmes said 40-50 presents were taken last night from a metal container outside the building.
CCTV recorded the raiders trying for three hours before finally managing to force open a window with what looked like a crowbar.
Ms Holmes said: "It was very sad news. The children on this estate don't get much. It's really shameful."
She said the presents were meant for children who had been referred to them by statutory organisations and who would really appreciate and need toys.
The presents were donated by secret Santas and donor points across the district.
People responded to a post about the burglary on the centre's Facebook page by offering replacement toys and games and Ms Holmes said the public were welcome to get in touch and make donations.
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