Clacton-on-Sea RNLI volunteer left high and dry after bike stolen

Bradley secured his ride to a bike stand by the lifeboat station and participated in a successful training exercise with his fellow crew members. Once the exercise was over and the lifeboat was cleaned, refuelled and put back onto active service, Bradley joined his crew mates at a local café for a drink.

Whilst the crew relaxed, Bradley spotted someone on his bike ride past the café, and with disbelief shouted out to his fellow crew members who ran outside to see if they were able to stop the theft. Unfortunately, the thief took off and disappeared into the town.

Bradley who relies on his bike as his main form of transport said: 'I chained my bike up as usual before joining the crew for an exercise and was amazed to see someone brazen enough to steal it whilst we were in a local café. It really has made my life harder as I used my bike for getting to work, going to the shops and most importantly getting to the lifeboat station during shouts. I just cannot believe that someone has stolen my bike.'

David Wells, Lifeboat Operations Manager of Clacton-on-Sea station commented: 'The crew at the station work hard and train hard to ensure they are ready to respond to any calls for help, and it’s disappointing that someone would steal the bike from just by the boathouse that belongs to one of our team and that they rely on to get to and from the station.'

Local police were informed of the theft, but no suspect has been found and Bradley’s bike has not been recovered at this time.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:
Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or: [email protected]