Life-saving equipment taken as organised gang targets Lincolnshire fire stations
People’s lives could be put at risk as a “highly organised” criminal gang is suspected to be behind an “outrageous” string of equipment thefts from village fire stations, say officials.
Specialist equipment to rescue people trapped in damaged vehicles has been taken, according to Lincolnshire County Council, as the thieves targeted several local fire stations in the past week.
The consistent methods used to break into the stations, and the similar equipment taken at each incident, lead the authority to believe that this is a highly organised gang specifically targeting local stations.
Coun Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It’s outrageous that anyone would target an emergency service and their life saving equipment at this time of year.
“We’re closely working with the police and our local stations to ensure that existing security measures are enhanced, and we catch these criminals before they do any further harm.”
Criminals have broken into Billinghay, Brant Broughton and Metheringham fire stations between December 11 and 14.
During the winter months, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue crews often attend as many road traffic collisions as fires. Equipment taken includes hydraulic cutting equipment, sledge hammers, reciprocating saws, hooligan tools, and strops. This effectively forms the breaking in and hydraulic rescue tools fire and rescue crews use at road traffic collisions.
Coun Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “The specialist equipment taken is designed to gain access to vehicles in order to rescue trapped casualties.
“Minutes can make all the difference in emergencies. If one of these stations was called on in the middle of the night to find equipment missing, it seriously jeopardises their ability to perform safe rescues and puts lives at risk.
“And while the equipment can be replaced, our worry is that, in the wrong hands, these tools could be used for criminal purposes. So, we’re asking everyone to be wary of anyone potentially impersonating a firefighter with rescue equipment.”
The tools may also be sold on or used to carry out further break-ins.
Coun McGonigle said: “Our firefighters are, more often than not, accompanied by a fire engine at live incidents. And, if they aren’t in the middle of a rescue or fire incident, they’ll be happy to present their ID and credentials.
“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.”
Crimestoppers is an anonymous police reporting line that can be reached on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.uk