Theft of vital NIFRS equipment from Carryduff Fire Station
Following the theft of vital fire safety equipment from Carryduff fire station, Pete Blaney, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), has appealed to the public for information about the incident and for the return of the items stolen.
He said: “I can confirm that power tools and pieces of road traffic collision (RTC) equipment, which are critical to our operational response, have been stolen from Carryduff Fire Station in Co Down, following a break-in on Monday 25 March.
“The break-in is thought to have happened between 5.30pm and 8pm, when entry was forced via a door in the Fire Station.
“Some of these vital pieces of operational equipment are used by Carryduff Firefighters to help rescue casualties from serious road traffic collisions.
“In the past few days our Firefighters have responded to a number of very serious and tragic road traffic collisions across Northern Ireland, so I must emphasise just how vital it is that we have the items of equipment that have been taken.
“I am appealing for these items to be returned to the Fire Station immediately.
“If anyone saw anything suspicious or noticed anyone carrying small power tools in the vicinity of the Fire Station, please pass the information on to the PSNI.
“It is incredibly disappointing that Firefighters who work tirelessly for their community would be targeted in this way.
“I would like to reassure the local community that contingency arrangements were in place to maintain our full emergency response in the area.
“Enquiries are continuing and the PSNI are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage in the area.
“We would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1839 25/03/24.
“Alternatively, submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via: www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ .
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
