'It’s shameful' - Lincolnshire fire stations targeted by thieves stealing life-saving kit
Emergency services bosses are becoming increasingly frustrated as thieves have broken into two more Lincolnshire fire stations to steal life-saving equipment worth up to £90,000.
Expensive specialist rescue equipment, such as that used to cut crash victims out of cars, was taken in a raid on the fire station on Bourne Road at Corby Glen on Friday, April 10, according to police
Then overnight Saturday to Sunday, the fire station at Woodhall Spa was burgled and rescue equipment was again taken.
Thieves had forced their way into the rear of the fire stations and caused minor damage to fire appliances.
Lincolnshire Police say they are continuing to investigate, but no arrests have been made.
It comes after stations in Brant Broughton, Billinghay and Metheringham were broken into in December and kit worth £50,000 stolen, with officials believing an organised gang was operating in the county. It means the service is forced to find money to replace items drawing upon its limited resources that could have been used elsewhere.
Similar thefts of cutting gear have been reported across the Midlands and as far as Cheshire in recent months as they are used by criminals to assist in more elaborate break-ins of secure premises.
Former firefighter Coun Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “It’s shameful that criminals are continuing to target our community stations and taking life-saving equipment for their own gain.
“If our crews were called to a shout in the middle of the night, it could seriously jeopardise their ability to perform safe and efficient rescues. And, while equipment can be replaced, in situations where minutes can make all the difference, the actions of these criminals is putting our communities at risk.
“We’ve worked hard to enhance security at our stations since we were last targeted by these gangs and we have seen several attempted break-ins stopped as a result. But, with organised criminals hitting fire services across the country and on the back of this incident, we’re committed to continue enhancing security measures and working closely with the police on prevention and information gathering."
If you notice any suspicious activity around your local fire station, or area in general, you can report it to the police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.