A VOLUNTEER water rescue service based at Upton was hit by thieves who stole a £1,000 winch from its main vehicle.

Overnight between Thursday and Friday, thieves stole the complete bumper unit including the winch from the Land Rover belonging to Mercia Inshore Search And Rescue (MISAR), based at Upton Marina.

And the group's backers are now hoping that someone saw the theft, which took place outside the group's HQ building at the marina.

MISAR trustee Peter Webb said: "This Land Rover is our lead vehicle and ambulance, and thanks to these thieves it's now out of action.

"We could get a call and be unable to respond as efficiently as we should because this winch has been stolen. The Land Rover would use it to put boats in and out of the water."

He said that the winch had only just been installed on the Land Rover, and replacing it would cost about £1,000.

"It's not just the money, because we are insured. It's having our lead vehicle, which is also our ambulance, out of action. The winch is not something that you can replace by popping into any garage."

Dave Walker, MISAR'S station chief, said: "It must have taken at least an hour to remove it from the vehicle and that is only provided that they had the right tools. There is always the strong possibility that someone saw some suspicious activity at our HQ at Upton Marina or has noticed a neighbour with heavy equipment in their vehicle or premises."

MISAR provides specialised mobile support alongside the army and emergency services during times of flooding and adverse weather along the rivers Severn and Avon.

Among its tasks are delivering emergency medical supplies and rescuing people and pets from areas affected by floods.

MISAR also provides water rescue cover for specialist water events including triathlons, rowing events, regattas, Dragon Boat events and more.

When flooding threatens the town, MISAR is there to help residents in whatever way required. They deliver sandbags to those who cannot collect their own. They tow out vehicles that have become stranded in flooded roads.

In 2007, flood barriers were trialled by the Environment Agency, and ever since then, MISAR helps put the barriers up and mans the pumps.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call police on 101, quoting incident number 287s/250316.