There's some shady behaviour going on in Hawke's Bay ..

Havelock North's Playcentre has had its shade sail cut down - and stolen.

It's among a spate of recent thefts from early childhood centres in the region.

The Laugh Observe Learn Early Childhood Educare in Hastings has also lost its shade sail.

Owner Wendy Greaves says it's annoying - and at the end of the day the thieves are stealing from children.