Break-in at fire station

May 16, 2024 BY

Robbed: Members from the Rowsley Fire Brigade are asking anyone with information on a burglary last week to contact Victoria Police. Photos: SUPPLIED

FIREFIGHTERS are calling on the community to come forward with any information that may help them locate missing equipment, after a break-in last week.

Rowsley CFA members attended the station last Wednesday morning to find they had been burgled overnight.

Members of the brigade assisted Victoria Police and members from the Crime Investigation Unit from their initial call at 7am, until its completion.

A spokesperson from the Rowsley Fire Brigade said it was disappointing for volunteers to be victims of a burglary.

“Rowsley CFA were offline, not able to attend emergencies for the majority of [Wednesday, May 8] as a result, however, coverage was maintained by other fire brigades in the group with our thanks,” the spokesperson said.

“Assistance from CFA District 15 HQ and fire brigades near and far, offering and giving anything needed to get us operational ASAP, was greatly appreciated.

“Please, if anyone has information to help the investigation, contact Victoria Police.”

An estimated $10,000 worth of valuable lifesaving equipment, provided through community grants, donations, and fundraising, were stolen from the station.

Members of the brigade were out and about at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve for four days following the burglary, fundraising to help with the cost of replacing the stolen equipment.

A Country Fire Authority spokesperson said that the organisation had “received confirmation that there was a break-in at the Rowsley Station, and Victoria Police is investigating.”

Rowsley Fire Brigade volunteers are disappointed the station has been hit by crime.