A PEARCEDALE childcare centre was broken into last week.
A hot water system was stolen after it had only just been replaced and despite the alarm system activating.
Police said the childcare centre on Larnach Road was broken into just before midnight last Tuesday, 20 March.
The offenders entered through a gate leading into the playground and broke through the main door into the office area, which triggered the alarm.
A Rinnai hot water system worth $1000 was stolen. Police said it had only been replaced in the previous few days.
Nothing else was stolen. However, police found a box of tissues and nappy wipes left on the nature strip outside.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Senior Constable Mark Wiederhold at Cranbourne CIU on 5991 0661.