What kind of idiot sets out to vandalise a lifeboat. Something that they, remember they are on an island, may come to depend on.
I have replicated the police press release in its entirety.
Come on. Someone out there knows who did this. Let the police know.
Appeal renewed after criminal damage to Freshwater Lifeboat
Press Releases
Published: 06/01/2011
Police are renewing an appeal for information after criminal damage was reported to a lifeboat on the Isle of Wight.
Vandals targeted Freshwater Independent Lifeboat’s 16ft inflatable inshore boat sometime overnight between Monday evening (December 27, 2010) and 9am on Tuesday morning (December 28, 2010).
The lifeboat, which was stored in a steel pen on the apron in front of a boathouse at Freshwater Bay, was found to have 17 holes in the side.
This damage is believed to have been caused deliberately. Police Community Support Officer PCSO Mike Thornton of the West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “This damage showed a complete lack of respect for members of our community who are dedicated to keeping us safe at sea. The vandals’ actions put the lives of the lifeboat crew at risk, and could have endangered someone else in need of a rescue.
“Several lines of enquiry continue to be pursued and I’m renewing an appeal for anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from people who were in or around Freshwater Bay last Monday night (December 27) or early Tuesday morning (December 28). The area is a popular place for fishermen and dog walkers.”
Please contact the West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team at Yarmouth Police Station by phoning 101 or emailing westwight.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45.
Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000.
Information can be given anonymously by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
The Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership has made a commitment to tackle anti-social behaviour reported by residents. For more information, go to http://www.saferwight.org.uk/antisocialbehaviour.aspx
For more information about the West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods team, go to http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/localpolicing/isleofwight/west/2LWSNT6.htm
WrAnTz 