"While classrooms are traditionally the more common targets of burglars, items taken from sheds and outbuildings can be as equally expensive to replace.
"An example of this was the burglary of a shed at a Hillcrest creche last month where a variety of items were taken.
"Bizarrely, the creche was again broken into but this time the offenders returned some items stolen in the first burglary, perhaps their conscience had gotten to them?"
Ms Grace said with summer holidays rapidly approaching police urge principals and boards of trustees to take preventative steps to protect hard to replace valuables.
"The public also has a part to play.
"It's their children and grandchildren going to schools being targeted.
"We need people to call us if they see suspicious activity around not only schools but other people's homes as well."