Rays Bream. Ref exe 0799-41-08TI

Cash raised for the family and crew of hero trawlerman Geoff Ingram, who died at sea last month, has been stolen.

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A burglar who broke into the Dockside Café in the early hours has stolen part of The Sarah Jayne Fund.

A glass jar containing cash for tragic trawlerman Geoff Ingram’s family was stolen at around 2.30am on October 18. The thief, who has been captured on CCTV images, ignored other collection tins on the counter, making off with around £50.

Café owner Viv Ewings, ‘disgusted’ by the theft, was relieved the jar was relatively empty after banking earlier donations. She said the till and other nearby cash donation pots had been left untouched.

Viv said: “There wasn’t a lot in it. It looked like a lot because there were pebbles in the bottom. I can’t believe anyone would do it. It’s absolutely terrible.”

Phil Higgins, an Exmouth trawlerman and friend of Geoff, who helped organise the recent Sarah Jayne Fund event in Manor Gardens, said the thief’s actions were ‘bloody disgusting’.

Married dad-of-two Geoff, of Brixington, died a hero aged 51 when he sacrificed his life to save his crew – ordering them off the Sarah Jayne two miles off Berry Head before returning to the sinking boat to raise the alarm.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call police on 101, quoting crime reference: KE/12/2428.

● The Rolle Arms, East Budleigh, will have live music, raffle and free finger buffet from 8pm this Saturday for the Sarah Jayne Fund.