Fire station thieves put lives at risk

THIEVES who stole vital cutting equipment from Papworth Everard Fire Station are putting the lives of Cambridgeshire people at risk. Hydraulic cutters, spreaders, hoses, a lighting generator, and a power pack were all stolen from the retained fire statio

THIEVES who stole vital cutting equipment from Papworth Everard Fire Station are putting the lives of Cambridgeshire people at risk.

Hydraulic cutters, spreaders, hoses, a lighting generator, and a power pack were all stolen from the retained fire station overnight on Saturday May 6.

The burglary was discovered at about 6.15am by the postman.

Hayley Buzzel, head of media and communication at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The absence of this vital equipment means that if the engine from Papworth Everard has to attend a road traffic collision it will have to be backed up by another engine that has the cutting equipment on board, which could put people's lives at risk."

Lawrie Booth, deputy chief fire officer, added: "It amazes me how anyone would do something like this, as the firefighters do not have the equipment they need to rescue people and deal effectively with emergency incidents.

"We also had to take the fire engine out of service while the police investigated the break-in.

"I would urge anyone who saw anything in or around the fire station at the time of the incident to contact police."

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 4564564 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.