Bacchus Marsh State Emergency Service volunteers are reeling after heartless thieves stole equipment from their Gisborne Road headquarters.
At about 3.40am on Monday, two offenders, one wearing a balaclava and the other wearing a hood over their face, forced their way inside through a door.
They made off with a red Honda 2KVA generator, a Stihl 029 chainsaw, a brand new Stihl MS362 chainsaw, which was only handed to Bacchus Marsh SES last week as part of the AAMI handover program.
Deputy controller of operations Bill Robson told Star Weekly his volunteers were disappointed and frustrated the thieves thought they could help themselves to their equipment.
“I feel for our members because I know how hard they fundraise throughout the year, spending their own time on the weekend to fundraise to buy this stuff,” Mr Robson said.
“And we want to have good equipment so we cna provide a good service to our community. We keep the equipment in good condition, and then to have someone come in and help themselves – not only do we suffer, but the community suffers.”
The chainsaws are vital when responding to flood emergencies, Mr Robson said, with more than 70 per cent of their call outs relating to flood incidents.
Mr Robson said the value of the items stolen, and the damage caused to the unit, was likely to be more than $6000.
“It was a setback that was unnecessary and selfish of the two people who broke in. We’ve had police here this morning and they’re conducting their investigation. We just hope the people can be identified.”
The chainsaws are orange-grey and the generator red, Mr Robson said.
If anyone notices the stolen equipment being sold or has information, they are urged to contact Bacchus Marsh police on 5366 4500.
