Charlotte Varcoe
MINISTER for Emergency Services Joe Szakacs has labelled thieves targeting Country Fire Service (CFS) sheds as “scumbags”.
During the week, two Lower Limestone Coast CFS sheds were broken into with person protective equipment, uniforms and money stolen.
SAPOL asked the public for help after two break-ins at Yahl and Glencoe fire stations, with Compton Fire Station also targeted in an attempted break-in.
Just after 12.30am on January 11, a person forced entry into the Yahl CFS station where a quantity of uniforms and protective equipment was stolen.
According to a SAPOL spokesperson, another break-in was reported at the Glencoe West CFS shed two days later where a small amount of cash was stolen.
Mr Szakacs said CFS volunteers did an incredible job keeping communities safe.
“It is such a low act to be stealing from local brigades,” Mr Szakacs said.
“These scumbags should be ashamed of themselves and their selfish actions.”
A SAPOL spokesperson said it was not clear at this time whether the three incidents were linked but the investigation was still going.
“There was also an attempted break-in on the Compton Hall CFS shed but no entry was gained,” the spokesperson said.
They said police were urging all business and property owners to check their security systems were up-to-date including alarms and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
A CFS spokesperson said the industry was disappointed to report recent break-ins including the one at the newly constructed Yahl station.
“The safety and well-being of our brigade members is our utmost priority and it is disheartening to witness events like this,” the spokesperson said.
“CFS has processes in place to ensure all brigades can continue to have adequate uniforms and protective equipment to respond despite the impact of these stolen goods.
“We are working closely alongside SAPOL on this matter and encourage anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity to notify SAPOL.”
The Yahl Soldiers Memorial Hall committee also recommended the close-knit community remain vigilant following the break-ins.
“These incidents make us think about the safety of our own properties,” the committee said.
“We also support people to contact the police should they see anything out of the ordinary.”
Anyone who sees suspicious activity around businesses or houses is asked to call the Police Assistance Line immediately on 131444.
