Lifeguards’ ‘essential lifesaving’ vehicle stolen after TV appearance

The RNLI is appealing for witnesses after thieves broke into a container at Crantock beach and stole an all-terrain vehicle used by lifeguards.

The break-in is believed to have happened overnight into Thursday, 28 August, and came just hours after Crantock lifeguards appeared on the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea. 

Crantock Surf Life Saving Club, which owns the container, said the doors, padlock and RNLI unit were damaged during the incident.

In a statement, the RNLI in Newquay said the vehicle – registration WA18 CHH – had been stolen from a secure container. It described the ATV as “essential lifesaving equipment, paid for by our generous donors and vital for allowing our lifeguards to respond to incidents quickly on the beach at Crantock”.

The charity added that the break-in also caused damage to a container used by Crantock Surf Life Saving Club, another volunteer-run organisation reliant on donations. “We’re so disappointed this has happened, particularly at this point in the season as it’s been an incredibly busy period for all lifesavers at Crantock,” it said.

A spokesperson for Crantock Surf Life Saving Club said: “Damage and theft to lifesaving equipment puts lives at risk and creates unnecessary costs for our lifesaving charities. If you have any information that could help recover equipment and costs please do get in touch or contact the police using the information below.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call Police on 101 quoting crime reference number DCP-20250828-0141.

The episode of Saving Lives at Sea featured the rescue of two kayakers in July 2024 after their craft capsized near Goose Rock. They were picked up by lifeguards and taken to the harbour by lifeboat.