Thieves targeted the Tendring District Council (TDC) facility at approximately 3am, forcing open a shutter and smashing an electric lock. An unsuccessful attempt was also made to break into the Beach Patrol office in Clacton around 4am, which was unoccupied at the time.
The stolen vehicle, a blue Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS with registration AY22 CFE, is valued at over £4,500. The final repair bill for the damage caused during the break-in is still being assessed but is expected to be hundreds of pounds.
This quad bike is a critical component of the Beach Patrol's response capabilities, enabling the rapid deployment of jet skis, rescue boards, and other essential equipment along the district's coastline. It is also used for safety checks and the installation of lifesaving equipment at key locations.
“"We are absolutely appalled that someone has stolen equipment used to help save lives on our beaches. This was not simply the theft of a vehicle. This quad bike helps our Beach Patrol team get rescue equipment to the right place quickly when every second can matter. Our staff work tirelessly to keep residents and visitors safe, and it is shocking that anyone would deliberately target the equipment they rely on to do that job. We will not allow this criminal act to undermine our lifesaving work. Anyone who knows who was responsible, or who has seen the quad bike, should contact the police immediately."
All remaining equipment and vehicles have been relocated to alternative secure sites, and no longer stored in Beach Patrol offices. During the 2026 summer season, Beach Patrol staff performed nearly 100 sea rescues, responded to over 150 boat and jet ski call-outs, provided safety advice on more than 12,000 occasions, and administered first aid 188 times.
Essex Police are urging anyone with information about the break-in or the stolen quad bike to report it via their website at www.essex.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.
