A SCHOOL for disabled children has been targeted by thieves – for the second Christmas in a row.

The garage at Langside School, in Langside Avenue, Poole, was broken into on Sunday evening, when tools, ladders and drills were taken, as well as the school’s leaf blowing machine and a large, petrol-powered jet wash – all vital for maintaining the school and its grounds.

Last November a group of the school’s pupils were devastated when thieves stole the exhaust and catalytic converter from their wheelchair-adapted minibus, putting a visit to Father Christmas in jeopardy.

Local businesses stepped in to help, ordering the required parts and fitting them to a hired minibus, as well as paying the insurance excess.

But the school, just one of the many services run across the county for disabled children and adults by Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities Plus, has now been faced with a bill for more than £1,000 to replace the stolen equipment and repair damage to the garage doors and hinges.

School secretary Joan Skinner said: “They took about £500 to £600 worth of tools and equipment from the garage. It’s going to cost the school to get this stuff back and for us to arrange extra security.

“About three weeks ago we bought ourselves some new ladders and they’ve all been taken, as well as the jet wash, the leaf blower, power saws and drills. To target disabled children at Christmas is just heartless. We would like to wish the lowlife that did this a very Merry Christmas.”

Anyone who can help the school with replacement equipment should call Joan Skinner on 01202 518635. If you can help with fundraising, email fundraising@diverseabilities plus.org.uk