Fury as firefighters' tools stolen from stations

19 December 2025

Harry Parkhillin Brant Broughton, Lincolnshire

News image — Ryan Stacey, from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, says the equipment is "genuinely life-saving"

BBC A fire officer wearing a white shirt and black epaulettes is staring at the camera. He has a bald head and short, grey stubble. — Ryan Stacey, from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, says the equipment is "genuinely life-saving"

Life-saving tools worth about £50,000 have been stolen from three rural fire stations.

Stations in Brant Broughton, Billinghay and Metheringham were broken into between 11 and 14 of December, with officials believing a gang is operating in the county.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said the equipment included cutters used to free people from car crashes.

Ryan Stacey, the service's assistant chief fire officer, said the equipment was "genuinely life-saving", and added those responsible appeared to have "no conscience".

Hydraulic cutting equipment in a locker on the side of a fire engine. — Fire crews go to emergencies armed with a variety of tools to free people from crashed vehicles

Mr Stacey said: "When that equipment is not there, it is putting members of the public at greater risk of harm.

"We're having to needlessly redirect our time towards repurchasing equipment, target hardening our fire stations, and all because people, who have no conscience about stealing from public buildings such as fire and rescue services, feel they can get away with it."

He said the cost of replacing the equipment - as well as extra money spent on increasing security - was money which could not now be spent on other services.

Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: "It's outrageous that anyone would target an emergency service and their life-saving equipment at this time of year."

The authority, which oversees the county's fire and rescue services, said similarities in the method of entry and equipment stolen led them to believe a "highly organised gang" is targeting local fire stations.

Cllr Alex McGonigle, executive councillor for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, added: "While the equipment can be replaced, our worry is that, in the wrong hands, these tools could be used for criminal purposes."

Lincolnshire Police said officers were investigating reports of burglaries at several fire stations and that inquiries were ongoing.

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