Thoughtless thieves target Bedfordshire fire stations | Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urgently appealing for public vigilance after two fire stations were targeted by criminals in just three days. Thieves broke into Harrold Fire Station on Tuesday (10 March) night, stealing specialist road traffic collision (RTC) equipment directly from a locked fire engine.

Bedford Fire Station was hit last night (Thursday 12 March), with criminals emptying two fire eng ines of their hydraulic cutting and spreading tools. The estimated cost of the stolen equipment is almost £40,000.These essential tools – most commonly used to rescue people trapped in vehicles after serious collisions – are believed to be stolen for further criminal use.

Area Commander Wayne Swales said: “These thefts aren’t just attacks on our fire stations – they’re attacks on the safety of every person in Bedfordshire. The equipment stolen is what our crews rely on to save lives at the scene of serious road traffic collisions and other incidents.

To have it taken and potentially used for criminal activity is deeply concerning. “Since being made aware of a national trend of fire stations being broken into and equipment stolen, we have enhanced our security measures further, but we are calling on our communities to report anything immediately if you see anything suspicious around our stations.” Despite the thefts, emergency cover remains in place.

Equipment is being shared across the county to ensure crews can still respond to 999 calls. However, this places additional pressure on already limited resources and the Service will need to find funds to replace the stolen tools as soon as possible.

All fire stations are protected by CCTV and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is working closely with Bedfordshire Police to identify and arrest those responsible. However, we are asking the public to be especially alert to any suspicious activity around community fire stations.

If you see a crime in progress please call 999, and if you have information about the missing equipment, please contact the police on 101 immediately.