THIEVES used bolt cutters and an angle grinder to break into a RNLI charity box, which has left volunteers ‘gutted’.

Poole lifeboat station, on Poole Quay, has been operating since the 1800s and pride itself on its “iconic collection box” shaped like a mine which has been sat outside the station since the 1990s.

However, the station shared on social media that the padlock on the box had been “mindlessly broken into” for the fourth time after volunteers replaced the last one with their own money.

It was said that thieves are using bolt cutters and an angle grinder to snatch the donated funds which supports the station from saving lives at sea.

(Image: RNLI Poole lifeboat station)

The post said: “We are a bit fed up and gutted that our mine has been broken into again.

“For the fourth time we have turned up and found the lock mindlessly broken, which we have replaced from our own money.

“To the person who keeps, bringing bolt cutters and once an angle grinder, chopping off the locks, please stop.

“As the money is donated voluntarily, it is difficult to give an accurate estimate of how much money has been stolen, but since you keep breaking in, there won’t ever be much in there, because we regularly empty it and take it to the bank.

“Our iconic collection box that has sat outside our station since the 1990’s is where kind-hearted folk that pass by drop in a penny or two so that Poole Lifeboat can launch their lifeboats, to help people and ultimately, to save lives at sea.”

The crew at Poole lifeboat station have launched 109 times so far this year.

“Our volunteers work tirelessly, to keep being there, we train hard, we are always ready to launch, to rescue and to help those who need us.

“To keep finding our mine damaged is gut wrenching, we give all that we can and will always continue to do so.

“So, whoever is doing this, just stop, it is futile.”

Members of the community have already jumped to help the station, with one electrician offering to donate and install a motion camera and light.

An RNLI spokesperson said: "This is really disappointing.

"The money donated to the Mine at Poole lifeboat station was generously donated by members of the public who have chosen to support the work of the RNLI.

"As a charity, donations from the public are essential to the training and equipment needed to ensure the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea."