New police plea after fire station raid

A FRESH appeal has today been made by police investigating the theft of valuable rescue equipment from a South Devon fire station.

Police are asking eagle-eyed residents to look out for special markings on a dual hose reel, a hydraulic pump and a set of spreaders taken from a Moretonhampstead fire engine between May 19 and 21.

The life-saving equipment, now valued at around £11,500 was taken from storage compartments on the outside of the appliance parked outside the station in Station Road.

PC Sarah Evans said: "These items can be identified with the number 271 written on yellow bands.

"The three items are quite heavy although a single person could lift them.

"It is more likely that two people would have removed them."

She made a direct appeal to residents.

She said: "Could you please check the ground surrounding your properties in case these vital items have been dumped nearby."

The raid on Moretonhampstead Fire Station was one of two.

Chagford's station was also hit by the thieves on Saturday, May 21.

Unusually, the appliances were outside the buildings as both are being refurbished.

Side compartments of the two vehicles were opened.

A range of road crash cutting and spreading gear was taken.

A pump and two hydraulic hoses were also taken by the thieves.

Speaking after the incident Gary Brown, crew manager at Moretonhampstead, said he was appalled by the crime.

He said: "This equipment saves lives — and the consequences don't bear thinking about."

"Those responsible can't have a conscience."

Fortunately the thefts were noticed by fire crews before they were sent to any incidents on 999 calls.

The fire service has said the consequences of the thefts could have been more serious if the thefts had not been detected earlier.

One theory is the equipment may have been stolen for criminal use.

Information can be passed to police by ringing 08452 77744 or the confidential Crimestoppers service on 0800 555111.