Thieves who are repeatedly targeting a charity have been branded disgusting for depriving Island children.

Sheppey Sea Cadets, based at Barton’s Point off Marine Parade, Sheerness, have had about £400 worth of equipment stolen over the past few months.

The first theft was in May when a training steering wheel was taken which has belonged to the unit for decades and is thought to be about 60 years old.

Since then month, five specially designed crutches which hold oars in place worth £25 each have been taken.

A selection of trapeze harness equipment was also pinched, including hooks which attach it to the wires, which were cut, and the quick release hook which fits to the harness.

The trapeze gear will cost about £135 to replace and, on top of that, three plastic boat covers and associated screws have also disappeared, as well as an angle grinder.

Commanding officer Brian Moore said some of the thefts were discovered when they got the boats out to go along to the Sheerness Freemasons’ fete last month and it also disrupted one of their training sessions when they were hosting Sea Cadets from other units as they couldn’t run safely without the correct crutches.

He said they couldn’t put a cost on the steering wheel as it’s very old and had a lot of sentimental value.

He estimates the overall loss is about £400.

The unit, which has about 45 members, has now had to pay out for a monitored alarm system as well as CCTV cameras.

“We are a charity and rely on donations and fundraising so things like this really don’t help,” he added.

“They are taking away from kids of today and kids of the future, preventing them from learning and us providing new kit for them where we are having to replace everything.

“I’m just really frustrated and disgusted that somebody would do this.

“Now we have got to look at further fundraising to replace everything.”

He thanked Captain Cutlass and members of the Rotary Club of Minster for their time and help installing security systems.