By Matthew Sims
The Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade team has been left reeling after more than $100,000 damage was caused to vehicles, equipment and infrastructure and a number of pieces of equipment were stolen in an early morning ram raid.
Police have begun investigating a ram raid at a fire station in Nar Nar Goon on Friday 20 September, during which a silver four-wheel drive allegedly rammed the gates in the yard of the station on Carney Street at about 1.30am.
Police have alleged the male offender gained access to a fire truck and stole equipment, before getting back into the 4WD and ramming the roller door of the fire station.
No one was inside at the time of the incident and the male offender did not gain access to the building and fled the scene in the vehicle, which was located a short time later in Pakenham East.
The offender remains outstanding and investigations are ongoing.
Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade captain Justin Seddon said the ram raid left them offline until about 2.15pm on Friday 20 September, meaning they were unable to respond to any emergency calls until police had finished their intial investigations.
The incident has now left the brigade down two vehicles, including the new rescue vehicle the brigade only received earlier this month, with both vehicles now being repaired for damage.
Mr Seddon said the alleged offender stole a number of items, including four radios, a chainsaw, an axe and lighting equipment.
“It’s all stuff we use for saving people’s lives,” he said.
Mr Seddon said the break-in would have a major impact on the brigade and the broader area’s emergency response capabilities, questioning why the offender decided to target their brigade.
“They must have been in a pretty dark place,” he said.
“I don’t understand why you’d target an emergency service.”
To report any information or to submit any relevant CCTV footage, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
