An RNLI collecting box was stolen on Wednesday, outside the Salcombe Lifeboat crew room on Union Street.

The large collecting box, about 3 feet high and quite bulky, was stolen in broad daylight at about 3.45pm.

Volunteers from the lifeboat are perplexed at how it could’ve been stolen, due to its size. And people scoured the harbour at low tide to see if it had been thrown in the water, but the box has yet to be found.

David Dancox, press officer for Salcombe Lifeboats said: “This obviously has a negative impact on the RNLI. It lessens the amount of money we have to spend on life-saving missions. All monies that are donated go to our main aim that is saving lives at sea. It’s very disappointing that these things happen.

“If anyone knows anything. please contact Kingsbridge Police or Salcombe RNLI directly.”