Thieves have targeted more than 12 rural fire stations, stealing 'life-saving items' in a crime that has upset many members.
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NSW RFS District Manager Superintendent Patrick Westwood urged the community to be vigilant following the break-ins and thefts from a number of NSW RFS Brigade stations across the Border area.
It comes only days after Wodonga SES revealed vital equipment worth $20,000 had been stolen.
Superintendent Westwood said stations in Bungowannah, Glenellen, Mulwala-Tarramia and Splitters Creek had been targeted while Mullengandra station had experienced two break-ins with thieves stealing original and replacement equipment.
Further north in the Riverina Zone the Bidgeemia, Marinna, Maxwell, Oberne and Yathella stations were targeted with similar items stolen.
"Thieves have targeted more than a dozen rural fire stations that house both trucks and equipment that volunteers use to help protect their community from the threat of fire and other incidents," Superintendent Westwood said.
"Items including chainsaws, radios, firefighting tools and even defibrillators have been taken.
"The NSW RFS and NSW Police are working very closely on identifying who is behind these targeted break-ins."
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Superintendent Westwood said while brigades had been able to continue protecting their local communities, the pieces of equipment were often vital in saving lives in remote rural areas.
"Our volunteers work very hard in their own time to keep our equipment in good order to help protect the community and these thefts have had a really big impact on them," Superintendent Westwood said.
"Our members and their communities have a right to be upset about what is happening, as it directly affects them.
"We are asking everyone to remain vigilant and be on the look out for people that are unfamiliar in their areas.
"Anyone with any information about recent break-ins or stolen goods should contact the Murray River Police District or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," Superintendent Westwood said.
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