THEFT OF LIFEBOAT ENGINE THREATENS LIVES
11:40 - 14 June 2006
Police and council officials have branded thieves who stole an outboard engine from the inshore rescue lifeboat at Dawlish Warren as "irresponsible" for placing lives at risk. The theft of the £3,000 outboard engine has angered Teignbridge council staff and local lifeguards who use the rescue boat.
Assistant resort officer Julie Owen said: "The boat is used every season and the theft is a real blow to the team. It leaves us dangerously ill-equipped until the replacement engine arrives.
"The police are doing all they can to investigate but we are all shocked that anyone could willingly target a piece of equipment that has meant the difference between life and death on a significant number of occasions.
"We hope they identify the perpetrators very soon and would appeal to anyone who may know of anything remotely connected with the crime to inform the police immediately."
Police said the outboard engine was removed from the boat room at Dawlish Warren sometime between 6pm on Tuesday and 7.30am on Wednesday.
Local officers are analysing CCTV footage.
Sgt Alan Mobbs, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "This is an extremely irresponsible theft. The fact that this engine is part of lifesaving equipment makes the crime far worse. The boat is used to ensure the public safety and, for financial gain, the thieves may have put lives at risk."
Anyone with any information regarding the theft should contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777 444, or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111, quoting log reference number JG06/1255.
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THEFT OF LIFEBOAT ENGINE THREATENS LIVES
