As we approach Christmas, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is asking the public to be their eyes and ears following several fire station break ins in recent years, where thieves stole specialist rescue equipment.
The most recent theft took place at Whaley Bridge Fire Station on Monday 8 September, between 23:00 and 23:30 hours. Thieves broke into the station and stole a hydraulic cutting tool; this is a piece of essential lifesaving kit that firefighters use at road traffic collisions and other emergencies to rescue people.
Not only is this specialist kit highly valuable, in the wrong hands it can be used for serious crimes such as breaking into safes, cash machines, and armoured vehicles carrying large amounts of cash.
Since 2019, there have been four break-ins across Derbyshire, including Whaley Bridge, Swadlincote, Bradwell, and Wirksworth fire stations, and the loss of these vital tools impacted the Service’s firefighters, who need them to respond to emergency incidents.
Paul Moreland, Area Manager for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service said:
“These thefts not only put our communities at risk, they also have a significant financial impact on our Service.
“The cost of the equipment stolen at Whaley Bridge Fire Station alone is estimated at over £35,000, adding further pressure to the Service’s budget. To date the four break-ins have cost us more than £100,000.
“Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is doing everything it can to maintain the security of all its fire stations and working closely with our partners Derbyshire Constabulary to look at further security measures, but as Christmas approaches, we are asking people to be our eyes and ears and be vigilant.
“We remain committed to protecting both our people and our critical resources, but we can’t do it alone. The public can play their part by reporting anything suspicious.”
Chief Inspector Anna Woodhouse added: “The theft of this life-saving equipment is simply disgusting.
“The break in at Whaley Bridge was a clearly targeted theft of machinery that could be used to help rescue any one of us in a life-or-death situation.
“Officers have been carrying out significant lines of enquiry since the theft, and we remain keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with our investigation.”
Please be vigilant
If you see any suspicious activity around any Derbyshire fire station, report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 if it’s happening right now or someone is in danger.
Appeal for information
Anyone with information or CCTV footage relating to the most recent theft at Whaley Bridge Fire Station is asked to contact Derbyshire Constabulary using one of the following methods, quoting reference number 25000530910:
- Website – Derbyshire police crime reporting tools on their website: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/
- Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
- X (Twitter) – direct message the police contact centre via @DerPolContact
- Phone – call 101
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
