Captain Shaun Trotter from the Narre Warren North Fire Brigade with third lieutenant Brian Minett, Andrew Broussard, Craig Kirk, Michael Garoni and Susan Johnson are helping police with investigations after thieves stole more than $5000 worth of fire-fighting equipment last weekend. 30980 Picture: Meagan RogersBy Kelly Yates
HEARTLESS thieves broke into the Narre Warren North Fire Brigade over the weekend and stole between $5000 and $8000 worth of fire-fighting equipment.
Detective Sergeant Gordon Hynd from the Narre Warren Police Station has dubbed the break-in as a low act.
Police said the thieves broke into the workshop, which is situated at the back of the station, between 1am and 10.20am on Sunday 17 May.
Casey detectives believe the thieves forced entry to the shed by pulling off the sheeting.
According to police, the property stolen includes a Kawasaki generator valued at $2000, a pressure washer, power tools and hand tool sets.
Det Sgt Hynd said given the weight and quantity of items stolen, police were on the hunt for more than one offender.
Detective Senior Constable David Measham said the attack was disappointing.
“The CFA is staffed by volunteers who work hard to keep our homes safe,” he said.
Third lieutenant Brian Minett from the Narre Warren North Fire Brigade told the News this was the first time the station had been broken into since moving onto the new site along Narre Warren North Road in 2000.
“The firefighters are very upset in light of the summer we just had and the fires we battled so close to home,” he said.
“We were stretched to the limit and feel this is a kick in the face.”
Mr Minett said most of the fire-fighting equipment stolen had been purchased with money donated by the community.
The shed will be alarmed to the main building this week to prevent any further break-ins and gear being stolen.
Police are calling for witnesses and anyone with information is urged to call Detective Senior Constable David Measham at the Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3115.
