- Low act by criminals strikes bushfire heroes
- Police investigation to focus on CCTV
- Those responsible face harsh penalties
There has been another appalling incident involving the theft of a fire truck used by Queensland's volunteer bushfire heroes to protect their local communities.
Early this morning thieves broke into a Rural Fire Service (RFS) facility at Victoria Plains in the Mackay area and stole a fire truck.
It's the second incident involving the theft of a Rural Fire Service vehicle in a matter of days, 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.
The vehicle has been sighted in the Sarina area.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan:
"It beggars belief that people could 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.
"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."
Quotes attributable to A/Commissioner Steve Smith:
"I am deeply disappointed and saddened by the recent theft of fire trucks and essential equipment from our Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades.
"The break and enter incidents at Plane Creek, Sunnyside and Victoria Plains Rural Fire Brigade facilities are incredibly disheartening for our hard-working volunteers.
"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.
"Neighbouring brigades are supporting Sunnyside and will respond to incidents until it receives an operational vehicle on Monday.
"These vehicles and equipment are essential to our ability to respond to emergencies and protect the community and it's beyond belief that these brigades have been targeted at a time when our volunteers are working so hard to protect their communities."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Glen Pointing:
"I just don't understand these actions, particularly at a time when half the state is on fire," Acting Assistant Commissioner Pointing said.
"It is an absolute insult to the people who are putting their lives on the line to keep the community safe.
"Our officers will continue to work around the clock to find the vehicles and put those responsible before the courts."
