CHAINSAWS, fire fighting equipment and food are among the items stolen from the CFA headquarters at Snake Valley, the latest in a series of thefts from volunteer-run firefighers.
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It comes just two days after a similar theft at the Napoleons-Enfield and follows on from other recent thefts at brigades at Berringa, Buninyong and Warrenheip and a series of thefts near Horsham.
Thieves are believed to have broken into the Snake Valley unit sometime over the weekend, but the theft was only discovered on Monday.
As with the Napoleons-Enfield break-in at the weekend, the unit was forced offline for six hours, causing unwanted and potentially dangerous delay to emergencies.
CFA operations officer Neville Collins said upwards of $10,000 worth of equipment had been stolen from Snake Valley.
“A number of chainsaws have been stolen, the firetrucks were broken into and they’ve gone through every locker and stolen equipment and toolboxes as well,” he said.
“A lot of the equipment in the fire station is community funds and raised by the local community. It’s very disappointing this has occurred.”
Operations officer Collins said the CFA would be increasing its security in light of the thefts.
Detective Senior Constable Stuart Grimley said the thieves were “the lowest of the low” to steal from volunteers.
“They’ve broken in and gone through the trucks and offices,” he said.
“It’s incredibly concerning and these are community run organisations that are all run by volunteers.
“Considering a lot of these brigades are located in geographically rural areas, the costs to replace these items can be quite an impost on the brigades.”
Detective Senior Constable Grimley said one chainsaw on its own would cost around $2000, but would not be able to be pawned, as all were engraved by the CFA.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.