A Croydon primary school has been targeted by heartless thieves who dug up more than 20 trees and stole valuable equipment from its environmental garden.

Earlier this year trees were taken from Castle Hill Primary School in Dunley Drive, New Addington, and during the half-term break, the school's garage was broken into and gardening equipment stolen. And it is not the first time the school has fallen victim to criminals.

Last year a number of planters donated by Castle Hill's headteacher were snatched from the front of the school.

Wendy Matthews, who helps run the school's gardening club, said: "It's such a shame. Every time we try and do something that is important to us we have a problem. We want to promote the gardening club in a positive way, so when something like this happens it's really disappointing."

The conifer trees were planted in September and according to Wendy were "growing quite nicely" before they were stolen.

She said: "They were healthy trees and had good roots so I think they were probably taken for the money."

Croydon police said there were probably witnesses to the theft who are unaware the trees were being stolen.

The school is considering erecting expensive fencing to provide privacy as it is unwilling to plant more trees.

"It appears to be an ongoing problem for us," Ms Matthews added. "The children were very disappointed. It now means we are back to square one but we're trying to keep the children motivated, take on board what happened and move on."

Anyone with any information about the thefts is urged to call Detective Sergeant McDougall on 020 8649 1217 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

q Croydonguardian.co.uk