Victoria Police is joining forces with the CFA to investigate a spate of burglaries at fire brigades across the Macedon Ranges and beyond.
There have been seven known burglaries in the region since March, with a further incident in Hillside believed to be connected.
Burglarised CFA properties include Darraweit Guim, Bullengarook, Sutton- Grange, Toolern Vale and Langley.
The most recent brigade burglary was overnight on July 19, when the Riddells Creek and Bolinda-Monegeetta stations were ransacked. A Toyota HiLux stolen from Riddells
Creek was later found burnt-out in Melton.
A CFA spokeswoman said it was disappointing when brigades whose purpose was to protect lives and property were intentionally attacked.
Police believe the CFA is being targeted because many of the stations are unmanned.
Macedon Ranges CIU Sergeant Steve Cole said brigades were a “soft target”, but the consequences of the break-ins were devastating. Five months after the break-in at Darraweit Guim, the brigade is yet to receive new equipment through an insurance claim. Riddells Creek’s Captain Dave Thompson said his brigade was now without vital firefighting equipment, including the stolen HiLux.
Information to Kyneton police, 5421 2900, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
