Brighton RNLI Lifeboat Box Raided Twice in Shocking Theft
Brighton RNLI volunteers were left stunned after their charitable donation box was broken into and emptied not once, but twice this month. The thefts took place outside the RNLI Brighton shop at Brighton Marina, snatching vital funds meant to save lives at sea.
Generous Donations Stolen – Crew Left Disappointed
The RNLI relies heavily on public donations to fund lifesaving operations. Last year alone, Brighton’s lifeboat crew launched 35 times, rescuing 16 people. All work is carried out by dedicated volunteers who depend on these donations to buy essential training and equipment.
“The money in that collection box was generously donated by members of the public who chose to support the work we do,” said the lifeboat crew. “Our volunteers work extremely hard to keep us launching to rescue those in need. This only adds to the difficulty.”
Donation Box to Be Replaced With Safer Contactless Machine
It’s impossible to estimate the total sum stolen since donations are voluntary. In response, the RNLI will remove the vulnerable cash box and install a contactless donation machine in the shop window to protect future contributions from would-be thieves.
