LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – County education officials said Lake County preschools and after school programs have been hit hard by thefts and vandalism over the last four months.

Stolen toys and playground equipment, broken machinery and destroyed school equipment have been the result of the series of crimes, according to the Lake County Office of Education.

In May, the after school program at Pomo School lost art supplies, games and outdoor equipment when the supply shed was broken into, the Lake County Office of Education reported.

Then, the Burns Valley after school program was burglarized in July and lost a computer, other office equipment and food items, according to the report.

Pomo School was hit again in September, when vandals pried doors off the supply sheds, destroying the locks, sliding doors and building trim officials said.

The Lake County Office of Education's report said one storage shed was so badly damaged it had to be removed because the cost of repairs exceeded the value. They lost toys, outside play equipment and a karaoke machine.

On Oct. 1, the Burns Valley preschool found the hinges pried off the door, items thrown everywhere, and missing outdoor play toys and equipment, the Lake County Office of Education reported. Most disappointing to the preschool children was the fact that several new scooters were gone.

Then, earlier this week, on Monday, the Pomo School after school program was broken into again, and the locks were destroyed with bolt cutters, officials reported.

This destruction and loss would be difficult enough, but it is even more challenging, because of the budget challenges early education programs have faced over the last few years.

“We have trimmed our budget as tightly as we possibly can over the past five years, as more and more cuts reduced our operating costs,” said Cindy Adams, program director for the Lake County Office of Education Child Develop Programs. “We worked hard and managed to purchase quality, developmentally appropriate toys and equipment for our students. This barrage of break-ins have left our staff, children and parents discouraged and disappointed.”

The preschools and after school programs offered by Lake County Office of Education are available for low income and working families who rely on the programs to support children’s growth, development and education.

“The equipment and toys lost aren’t frivolous,” said Adams. “They are carefully chosen, developmentally appropriate materials that support the core instructional programs at the elementary schools, and prepare our young students for success. Replacement of everything we’ve lost isn’t possible.”

One young student shared the frustration of everyone, when he said, “Why would people do this to us? We’re just kids.”

Anyone with information about these break-ins is asked to call local law enforcement.