The owner of an activity centre has been left "sickened" after teenage vandals broke into a yurt before stealing a number of items from inside.

The group, believed to be boys aged between 13 and 15 years old, targeted the Wildlings site in the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford in the early hours of Friday morning (March 17).

A knife was used to cut open the tent before cushions, rugs and equipment were stolen.

Eastern Daily Press: Wildlings at the Charles Burrel Centre in Thetford holds outdoor playgroups and activities for childrenWildlings at the Charles Burrel Centre in Thetford holds outdoor playgroups and activities for children (Image: Wildlings)

Abbie Clark, who has been running the centre since opening in September 2022, said: "It makes me feel sick that they would do this.

"We try really hard to create a family-friendly and safe space and this incident undoes it all.

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"It makes you feel really deflated."

Eastern Daily Press: Rugs, blankets, firewood and equipment were taken in the burglary. Picture on the left shows the inside of the yurt before the incident.Rugs, blankets, firewood and equipment were taken in the burglary. Picture on the left shows the inside of the yurt before the incident. (Image: Wildlings)

It is believed the burglary took place between 3.50am and 4.50am at the Staniforth Road site.

Pillows, blankets, firewood, matches and a lighter were taken and the yurt was left damaged. 

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Wildlings, which offers outdoor playgroup activities for children up to seven years old, was able to continue running its activities over the weekend despite the incident.

Eastern Daily Press: The yurt was cut open with a knife in the burglaryThe yurt was cut open with a knife in the burglary (Image: Wildlings)

Ms Clark added: "The site was completely locked up and we think they may have got into the centre by climbing over the fence.

"We are worried it might happen again so will be taking extra measures to keep everything secure.

"Everyone has been so supportive after we shared on social media what had happened, so that is a positive."

A Norfolk Constabulary spokeswoman said: "Police were called following a burglary at the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford in the early hours of Friday (March 17).  

"Four unknown suspects were seen at the site. Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information should contact PC Josh Boyle with any information at Joshua.BOYLE1@norfolk.police.uk quoting reference 36/19345/23.