Wirral Pram and Toy Centre praises support after burglary

Thieves broke into the Pram and Toy Centre on Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead sometime between 4.30pm on Friday (November 22) and 10am on Saturday (November 23).

Cash and other items were stolen, including a Red Kite Black Stroller, Remote-control black Range Rover in a white box, Egg Isofix bases, Silver Cross changing bags and footmuffs, Silver Cross parasols and BabyStyle changing bags (Oyster).

Shocking pictures show the damage that was caused at the shop, which has been in business for 96 years.

Following the incident, roofers and plasters offered their services and are due to start work repairing the damage this Saturday (November 30). The shop will be closed until next Saturday, December 7.

A GoFundMe page set up to help pay for repairs has so far raised £510 of a £1,000 target.

Praising the public's support since the incident, the shop's current owner, Luke Wood, posted on Facebook: "First we would like to start by saying thank you for the huge support, we have some very generous roofers and plasterers starting work Saturday 30/11.

"They have very kindly offered us the repair at materials cost, we will use the money donated to us out of The Go Fund Me to go towards this bill.

"We would also like to thank all the other roofers, plasterers, electricians and security who got in touch we really do appreciate everyone’s kindness, so as of Monday, December 2 the shop will be closed for major works until Saturday, December 7.

"Again from all our family, we thank you all for coming together and helping us at this very difficult time."

The scene of damage at Birkenhead's Pram and toy centre following break-in over the weekend (Image: Pram and toy centre) Appealing to the those who broke in, the shop's current owner, Mr Wood, posted earlier this week: "If you’re reading this I just hope you know how much damage you not only haven’t caused to our building but also to our family.

"I have tried so hard over the last five years to takeover from my dad and keep this business going for the name, my family and our future generations and you have ripped it apart.

"Never in nearly 100 years of trading has this happened. From October - January we turn over just enough to cover our bills and wages as it’s our quietest time of year and now you’ve caused us a new roof and shop floor .

"I won’t sleep at night and I don’t know how you will either.

"We won’t give up until we find out who done this, you will get caught."

The Gofundme page was set up by Mr Wood to help pay for repairs. To add your support, click here 

The scene of damage at Birkenhead's Pram and toy centre following break-in over the weekend (Image: Pram and toy centre) In a message on the page, Mr Wood said: "It saddens us to write this and we still can’t believe it’s happened, we’re creating this Go Fund Me from the pure love shown to us over the last couple days and everyone wanting to be involved to save our shop from closure.

"Never in all the 96 years our family has had this business has this ever happened to us.

"We really need your help, the Christmas period is our quietest time of year and for those who done this to us, you really have no idea how much pain you’ve caused.

"From everyone in our family, we really do thank and appreciate the love shown, your comments and private messages have been seen and without you people, there is no us ❤️"

A Merseyside Police appeal for witnesses continues. A statement from the force read: "Some time between 4.30pm on Friday (November 22) and 10am on Saturday (November 23), entry was gained to Pram and Toy Centre on Whetstone Lane and cash and items were stolen.

"CCTV and forensic enquiries are ongoing.

"Anyone who witnessed or captured anyone acting suspiciously on CCTV, dashcam or other devices is asked to contact us via @MerPolCC on X, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook or 101 with reference 24000990899."