Coastguards from Porthleven were targeted by a would-be thief as they helped a casualty on a beach in West Cornwall.
The team were called to Hendra at Praa Sands on Boxing Day.
As the coastguards were busy looking after a casualty and clearing the beach so the coastguard helicopter could land, one opportunist decided to take advantage of the situation.
However, trying the handles of various car doors, he got a little more than he bargained for in one vehicle.
A Porthleven Coastguards spokesperson said: "A lovely 'gentleman' decided to try the doors of most of the team's cars and actually tried to get into one, but was amazed to come across an elderly lady sat inside. He then quickly left the scene."
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