Bedford Fire Station has been targeted by thieves who stole specialist lifesaving equipment from two fire engines, as fire chiefs warn the thefts put added pressure on emergency resources.
The break-in happened last night (Thursday) when criminals took hydraulic cutting and spreading tools used to rescue people trapped in vehicles after serious collisions.
The theft came just two days after similar equipment was stolen from Harrold Fire Station on Tuesday (10 March). The total value of the stolen tools is estimated at almost £40,000.
Tools used at serious crashes
The equipment taken from Bedford and Harrold is most commonly used at road traffic collisions and other emergencies where crews need to cut people free quickly and safely.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it believes the stolen tools may have been taken for further criminal use.
Area commander Wayne Swales said: “These thefts are not just attacks on our fire stations, they are attacks on the safety of every person in Bedfordshire.
“The equipment stolen is what our crews rely on to save lives at the scene of serious road traffic collisions and other incidents. To have it taken and potentially used for criminal activity is deeply concerning.
“Since being made aware of a national trend of fire stations being broken into and equipment stolen, we have enhanced our security measures further, but we are calling on our communities to report anything immediately if you see anything suspicious around our stations.”
Extra pressure on crews
The fire service said emergency cover remains in place, with equipment being shared across Bedfordshire so crews can continue responding to 999 calls.
Watch: Bedford on-call firefighters ready to help anyone in need at a moment’s notice
However, it warned that the thefts place additional pressure on already stretched resources and that funds will now need to be found to replace the stolen tools as quickly as possible.
All fire stations are protected by CCTV, and the service said it is working closely with Bedfordshire Police to identify those responsible.
Residents are being asked to report any suspicious activity around fire stations. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress should call 999. Anyone with information about the missing equipment is asked to contact the police on 101 or report it via their website.
