£40,000 of life-saving equipment stolen from Albrighton Fire Station
Up to £40,000 of life-saving equipment has been stolen in a break-in at Albrighton Fire Station in the early hours of the morning.
A fire service spokesman has confirmed that equipment was taken off a fire appliance to the value of £30,000 to £40,000.
Neighbours alerted the emergency services to the incident at the station in Newport Road at about 1am.
The theft is still under investigation.
John Das Gupta, area manager service delivery for Shropshire, said: “Unfortunately there was a break-in at Albrighton Fire Station and it’s currently under investigation.
“A large quantity of expensive fire equipment was taken, it was rescue equipment that we use to cut people out of cars.
“You’re probably talking between £30,000 and £40,000 worth of equipment. It’s quite heavy rescue equipment.”
Mr Das Gupta said: “It’s quite astounding that people would take it. It’s very disappointing, it brings into question human nature that they would strip emergency vehicles of life-saving equipment.
“We’re having a meeting to discuss the issues.
“Members of the public alerted the police. We’re very grateful to the public that they did take action and we would ask that all of the communities keep an eye out. They’re there for their protection.”
West Mercia Police said it was called to a report of three men acting suspiciously at the fire station.
Paul Roberts, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: “Officers attended and found that equipment had been stolen from appliances within the station.
“Police are investigating and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area last night and remind members of the public to remain vigilante.”
Workers at Market Drayton Fire Station said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, and that the theft left the Albrighton appliance unavailable to attend incidents while replacement equipment was arranged.
A spokesman for the station said: “During the break in vital lifesaving equipment was stolen from the fire appliance
“Items stolen include holmatro hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment, often referred to as the “jaws of life” this equipment is used to release people from road traffic collisions and other entrapments.
“The theft of this equipment left the Albrighton appliance unavailable to attend certain incidents whilst replacement equipment was arranged.
“Our Albrighton colleagues like ourselves are on call firefighters, which means they respond to any emergency call from their place of work or home.
“On call firefighters carry out these duties to serve and protect the communities in which they live and work. As you can imagine a theft of this sort leaves us all feeling deeply saddened and angry.”
Residents of Albrighton, and neighbouring Shifnal, now say they plan to hold a fundraiser to raise money to support the station on Newport Road.
But the chief fire officer at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has said that provisions are in place to replace the equipment.
Rod Hammerton said: "It has been brought to our attention that people are talking about starting crowdfunding pages to replace the equipment.
"Whilst we appreciate the good will, it's not necessary as we've got provisions in place to replace the equipment."
Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting incident number 38s of June 9. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
