BUSHFIRE heroes who have been protecting their local communities around Mackay have been robbed blind after thieves broke into Rural Fire Service (RFS) facility at Victoria Plains and stole a fire truck.
It’s the second incident involving the theft of a Rural Fire Service vehicle recently, following two other break-ins at RFS facilities in the same region earlier this week.
The Victoria Plains RFS facility has security cameras installed and the Queensland Police Service will review footage as part of their investigation.
Initial investigations suggest around 7am, offenders gained entry to the parked truck, a black Nissan utility with Victoria Plains Rural Fire printed on the side, before driving it south towards Eton.
Minister for Police and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan couldn’t believe that people would behave in this manner.
“It is beyond appalling. Every Queenslander knows the extraordinary efforts our volunteers with the Rural Fire Brigade have made to protect their communities as the state has faced multiple bushfire emergencies,” he said.
“I know that police will relentlessly target those responsible and ensure they face the consequences of their disgusting, appalling behaviour.
“Those responsible for this do not deserve to call themselves Queenslanders – real Queenslanders support each other.
“These grubs attack those who selflessly dedicate themselves to protecting their fellow Queenslanders.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Steve Smith said he is deeply disappointed and saddened by the recent theft.
“The break and enter incidents at Plane Creek, Sunnyside and Victoria Plains Rural Fire Brigade facilities are incredibly disheartening for our hard-working volunteers,” he said.
“The Plane Creek brigade are using another vehicle from the region while Victoria Plains will rely on its second truck to respond as required.
“Essential equipment, including radios and a compressor, as well as the battery from the brigade vehicle were stolen from the Sunnyside brigade.”
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