Cadets sunk by theft

4:21pm Friday 18th July 2008

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SEA Cadets need to raise £5,000 after the wheels of their minibus were stolen for the second time in four months.

Gravesend and District Sea Cadets had all six wheels of their minibus stolen from their base at North West Kent College, in Deering Way.

This happened despite the cadets installing CCTV and strong fencing at their base after the wheels of the minibus were stolen in April.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Dick Thackery said: "We have already had to use funds allocated for other projects to help pay for the previous damage to the bus and to improve security.

"We will now have to try to find something in the order of £5,000 to build an even stronger fence in addition to the repairs to the vehicle."

Each Sea Cadet unit is an independent youth charity, and is responsible for funding its own premises, equipment and activities.

The Gravesend unit has around 50 members, aged from 10 to 18, and an annual budget of around £10,000.

The cadets cannot afford to take the £5,000 needed from the annual budget, so they will rely on donations and fundraising.

Gravesend and District Sea Cadets chairman Commander Ian Dunkley said: "There are a number of grant sources we will look into, and we will organise a variety of fundraising events."

A team of Gravesend cadets recently beat around 70 others to win the right to represent the south east in a national powerboat handling competition.

Mr Dunkley hopes to have the minibus fixed for the final, which is part of the National Sea Cadet Regatta being held at London's Victoria Docks in September.

The bus was left with its axles sinking into the mud after the theft, which happened in the early hours of the morning on July 12.

CCTV captured the raiders but the images do not provide enough detail to help the police, who are currently investigating the crime.

The group is looking for secure parking for the minibus until the security fencing at its base is improved.

To help, call Mr Dunkley on 07786 856888.