Firefighters appeal for vigilance after equipment stolen from two Bedfordshire stations

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is appealing for help from the public after specialist rescue equipment was stolen from two fire stations within the space of three days.

Thieves broke into Harrold Fire Station on Tuesday night (10 March), removing road traffic collision equipment from a locked fire engine. Just two days later, on Thursday night (12 March), Bedford Fire Station was also targeted, with hydraulic cutting and spreading tools taken from two fire engines.

The equipment stolen – worth an estimated £40,000 – is used by firefighters to free people trapped in vehicles following serious road collisions. Fire chiefs say the tools are often targeted by criminals for use in further offences.

Area Commander Wayne Swales said the thefts were deeply concerning.

“These thefts aren’t just attacks on our fire stations – they’re attacks on the safety of every person in Bedfordshire,” he said.

“The equipment stolen is what our crews rely on to save lives at the scene of serious road traffic collisions and other incidents. To have it taken and potentially used for criminal activity is deeply concerning.”

The fire service said it had already strengthened security measures after becoming aware of a wider national trend of fire stations being targeted for specialist equipment.

“Since being made aware of a national trend of fire stations being broken into and equipment stolen, we have enhanced our security measures further, but we are calling on our communities to report anything immediately if you see anything suspicious around our stations,” Mr Swales added.

Despite the thefts, the service says emergency cover remains in place across Bedfordshire. Equipment is currently being shared between stations to ensure crews can still respond to 999 calls, although officials say this places additional pressure on already stretched resources.

All fire stations are protected by CCTV and the service is working with police to identify those responsible.

Residents are being asked to remain alert to suspicious activity around fire stations. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress should call 999, while information about the missing equipment can be reported to police on 101.

Listen to Area Commander Wayne Swales speaking to Black Cat Radio: