THIEVES stole £10,000-worth of lifesaving charity equipment from an RNLI garage.
A lifeguard quad bike and a lifeboat engine were stolen from the RNLI's storage garage at Sandbanks on Sunday night (May 4).
Lifeguards say the theft couldn't have come at a worse time, with the summer season looming.
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Now the charity faces a race against time to find funds to replace the equipment.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution divisional lifeguard manager Barry Heathfield said: "This is a devastating thing to have happened at the start of the season.
"I find it extremely upsetting to think that anyone is capable of stealing lifesaving equipment from a charity."
Sandbanks, dubbed Millionaire's Row, attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and the equipment was intended to ensure the safety of everyone using the beach.
Police have launched an investigation and witnesses are being urged to come forward.
Potential buyers of the stolen goods have been warned to be on their guard.
Mr Heathfield said: "We will now have to find funds to replace both of these pieces of vital equipment for the summer season.
"We would like to ask everyone to remain vigilant and if you see anything suspicious please contact Dorset Police."
Thousands of people find themselves in serious difficulties on UK beaches every year. This year RNLI lifeguards will patrol 87 beaches across Dorset, Cornwall and Devon.
Last year RNLI lifesavers helped more than 9,880 people and saved 62 lives on UK beaches.
But the organisation, with annual running costs of more than £122 million, depends on voluntary contributions.
Police believe the theft took place between 6.30pm on 11.30pm on Sunday, May 4.
Witnesses should call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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