It could also hamper the coast guard’s ability to monitor the waters during the winter months.

At some stage in the last two weeks – between May 23 and June 6 – offenders used bolt cutters to breach a fence, and removed two panels to gain access to the building at Randalls Cove.

Five radios were stolen: a CFA handheld radio, UHF CB radio, 27 mg marine radio, 16 mg UHF radio and a mobile radio for vehicles, stored in a distinctive yellow box.

Volunteers estimate the radios had a total value of $4000.

A donation jar was also stolen from the premises.

Deputy commander of the Lake Eppalock Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, Bob Baker, said it was a “shocking” crime against the fully-volunteer unit.

“Instead of being able to put petrol in the boats, we’ll have to use our funds to replace what was stolen,” he said.

“We can’t monitor the lake without these radios.”

Mr Baker said it was the first time they had been broken into during his seven years with the coast guard.

The Lake Eppalock Coast Guard is one of the more unique emergency services in Australia, patrolling Lake Eppalock and other central Victorian inland waterways.

A number of central Victorian community groups have been targeted by thieves in recent months, including the Central Vic MX Motocross Club at Toolleen, and the Bendigo Athletics Complex.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.