A $5000 theft at St Clair Surf Life Saving Club may come at a greater cost - lives.
A thief broke into the club overnight on Sunday during what appears to have been a run of burglaries in St Clair.
Five hand-held radios and their chargers were stolen from the club and another cupboard's lock was broken open.
However, a television, a rechargeable drill and many other items of value were in the open and left untouched.
Salt Restaurant and a private residence in nearby Bedford St were also targeted in thefts.
St Clair Surf Life Saving Club property convener Cam Burrow said the theft could have dire consequences.
"It could [cost someone's life] if St Kilda needed help or if we went around the cliffs to do a rescue and we can't communicate because we don't have enough radios,'' he said.
The theft had already provided difficulties for the club's lifeguards.
On Monday, some nearby surfers found themselves in trouble.
"We weren't around to help them and we couldn't clearly communicate because we didn't have those radios,'' Mr Burrow said.
Luckily, on that occasion, a rescue was not required.
The theft had left him fuming.
"It would be interesting to understand their rationale. Why would you steal from volunteers who help the community?
"What we do is important and if we can't do it people will die.''
Club chairman James Coombes said replacing the radios was not a straightforward process.
The club was lodging an insurance application, but only had two loan radios in the meantime.
The club could not go out and buy new radios because funding could not be applied for retrospectively, he said.
"We are a little bit stuck,'' he said.
Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall said police were investigating the three incidents and believed they were linked.
It was unclear if anything was taken from Salt Restaurant, he said.
The burglar appeared to be startled by an alarm and fled.
A knife, some keys, some cash and CDs were stolen from the address in Bedford St, he said.
A vehicle parked in a garage was broken into and the items were stolen from its glove box.
Mr Coombes said the public could remain confident that lifeguards would still be there if needed.
Patrols would remain at the beach seven days a week throughout January, he said.
