Just when you thought that burglars could not stoop any lower on the ‘lowlife’ scale, then a story such as this one pops up and makes you reassess just how nasty some people can really be.
As a precursor, I do not subscribe to the whole ‘forced into a life of criminality’ excuse that is often mentioned by people when this sort of story comes up.
We often read comments on stories such as these left by people who really do believe that all criminals are a victim of circumstance.
When in reality, all you now need to make your own money is access to the internet, some motivation, dedication and self-discipline! People do not need to commit crime in order to make money!
Sorry, I digress – but stories such as this one really does incense the hell out of me – maybe because I have previous served in the RNLI myself, so I know just how affected the men and women at Sheringham Lifeboat Station will be by this callous and truly despicable act.
Between 1600 on Saturday 18th August and 0800 on Sunday 19th August, thieves decided to break into Sheringham Lifeboat Station whilst it was locked and unattended.
They (we are assuming that there was more than one person, but this is just an assumption) helped themselves to the stations collection boxes which they then discarded on Sheringhams beach as they away ran from the scene like the cowards they truly are!
A post on Sheringham Lifeboats Facebook page (@SheringhamLifeboat) read:
“Incredibly sad that we should be posting about a break in at our Lifeboat station.
“Discovered this morning, damage to various doorways, windows and two RNLI Collection boxes stolen, emptied and dumped on the beach just West of the station.
“We have remained fully functional throughout the police visit and visits from scenes of crime.
“If anyone thinks that they have any information. Please do get in touch with us.”
The Eastern Daily Press reported that a local Police spokesperson confirmed that thieves broke into the Lifeboat Station after forcing open windows.
You could not get two examples of polar opposites of the ‘decency’ scale if you tried.
On the one hand, we have the brave men and women of the Lifeboat station who, at any time, could be called upon to head out into treacherous and mountainous seas in order to try and save the life of a complete stranger.
Yet, on the other hand, we have ‘individuals’ whom deem it fit to break into the lifeboat station and help themselves to the good will of other people who, acknowledging the hard work which is undertaken by Lifeboat volunteers (both RNLI and Independent) donate money from their own pockets towards the Charity.
Whilst we have heard about the abhorrent act of nasty individuals stealing Poppy Appeal donation boxes, this is the first time we have heard of Lifeboat collection boxes being stolen.
That’s not to say that this sort of thing does not happen, because I am sure there are more reports out there which are similar to this.
An updated post on the Sheringham Lifeboat Station said:
“UPDATE: Lots of people have been asking how to donate following this burglary.
“This is an incredibly kind gesture which is both unexpected and heartwarming.
“We are very grateful to everyone for your support and kind words. For those wishing to donate, there are several ways.
1) you can donate online here; https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate
2) post or drop off a cheque made payable to the RNLI to:
The RNLI Shop
39 High Street
Sheringham
NR26 8DS
3) put your donation into one of the many charity donation boxes located in many shops around Sheringham.
4) visit the Lifeboat Station between 10am and 4pm, 7 days a week and hand in your donation to any of our volunteers there.
“There are currently no updates in relation to the theft.
“Thank you once again for all your support.
“We are reading all your messages and will endeavour to get back to everyone but please bear with us as the social media is also run by volunteers.
“Thanks for your understanding”.
If you just happen to be reading this, and you know anything that could help the Police with their enquiries, then please do the decent thing and let the Cops know.
You can call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
