MORE THAN £1,500 has been raised following a break-in at the Farnham Sea Cadet unit.
The break-in occurred overnight on Tuesday, September 17 at the unit in Badshot Lea.
The incident saw thieves cut through all the wired fencing and take fridges, microwaves and audio equipment, said Natalie Fairweather, a trustee at the unit.
She described how the year before the team had started fundraising for major renovations.
“But all the money they had to restore the unit is now gone,” she said.
“It is obviously incredibly upsetting for them and demotivating.
“This is their little hub and community. Things they had been working on have now been destroyed.”
Despite the upset, users urged the unit to set up a JustGiving page, which by last night had raised £1,510 of their £2,000 target.
The funds will help contribute to the repairs and restore the items taken from the unit.
A representative from the Sea Cadets thanked everyone for their support so far, which they said had been “totally overwhelming”.
Natalie said the response to the fundraising appeal was going “really well” and that the break-in had shocked members of the unit.
She added: “It seems to have hit a nerve with a lot of the parents and former navy people, and that is why they have donated.”
There was also an outpouring of support online, with businesses offering support to help to restore the unit.
A spokesperson from Surrey Police said: “We are investigating following a break-in at the Sea Cadets building in Badshot Lea, Farnham, last week.
“The break-in is believed to have taken place in Lower Weybourne Lane sometime between 6pm on September 17 and 1pm on September 18.
“It is believed a number of tools and two boat engines were also taken after the offenders gained entry to the site through a fence.”
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting crime reference PR/45190098915, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To donate to the Sea Cadets’ fundraising drive, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/farnham-seacadets