Ryan Stacey, the deputy chief officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, has voiced his anger after crucial life-saving equipment was taken unlawfully from the stations situated in Brant Broughton, Billinghay, and Metheringham. The thefts were carried out between 11 and 14 December and are likely connected to a presumed organised crime group active within the county.
The pilfered apparatus, thought to be valued at around £50,000, incorporates indispensable tools required for the rescue of people caught in road accidents. Mr Stacey underscored the heightened risk posed to public safety when this type of equipment is absent, remarking, “The lack of such tools elevates the potential of public harm.”
Thefts like these have pushed the fire service to reassign resources towards tool replacement and station security enhancement. Mr Stacey pointed out that this fund reallocation negatively impacts the execution of other vital services offered by the fire department.
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Sean Matthews, has decried the thefts, labelling them as “scandalous”. Lincolnshire Police are actively carrying out inquiries to identify the culprits of these distressing break-ins. Councillor Alex McGonigle, expressing unease, stated that the stolen equipment, if misused, could incur additional risks.
The public is being called upon to remain watchful and to report any unusual activities to assist in protecting the emergency services, which perform a critical role in maintaining public safety.
This piece has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting found on www.bbc.com.
