THIEVES have stolen thousands of pounds’ worth of equipment from the Redcar Sea Cadets’ storage compound.

Two engines, which power the troops’ safety boat, were stolen, along with other equipment including camouflage gear and ration packs, in the second burglary this year.

The cadets’ storage compound on Zetland Road was also damaged as burglars forced their way through gates, heavy doors and large locks.

The cost of damage and lost equipment is believed to be more than £8,000.

The group is completely self-funded and its insurance excess is a massive £1,000 after kayaks were stolen from the lock-up earlier this year.

Acting commanding officer Bob Esplin said: “It is very disheartening. We use the safety boat for our cadets when they are out sailing, kayaking or rowing to make sure we can rescue them if need be.

“I got a phonecall on Saturday saying that overnight at some point our stores at the back of Zetland Methodist Church had been broken into. They had managed to lift off heavy metal gates, lifted them off the hinges, and gained access into the compound. They then forced a metal security gate open and then kicked the door in of the actual storage area. They must have been big lads because we had covered the lock and they had forced that up and forced it open.

“The engines are also awkward to move, and they had unscrewed one of them off the back of the safety boat, so they must have known what they were doing.”

A large 40 brake horsepower Mariner engine was stolen along with a smaller, eight brake horsepower Yamaha engine.

To replace the Mariner second-hand will cost about £4,500 and the Yamaha £1,200.

The cadets had been trying to raise money to fund a minibus to ferry them around, but the funds will have to be used on paying the insurance excess.

Mr Esplin said: “Each group of sea cadets is a very independent charity and we have to raise all our funds ourselves.

“It will hit us quite hard but we are here for the kids, and we will do all we can for them. They are great kids and being in the cadets helps shape their future.”

He said security had been increased at the compound.

Anyone with information should call Cleveland Police on 101. To donate to the Redcar Sea Cadets, or for more information, call 07934-009241 or email redcarseacadets@hotmail.co.uk