On Wednesday 2 October 2013, 2 chainsaws were stolen from an SES rescue truck parked in Dover Street, Dover Village, a suburb of Launceston.  The incident happened at 10pm.

At the time SES volunteers were responding to a request for assistance at a residence in the street.

SES Assistant Director George Cretu expressed his disappointment at the theft.  “On Wednesday we had over 50 SES volunteers in the Northern Region alone working hard to assist the community with over 70 calls for assistance throughout the day.  For someone to help themselves to vital equipment in the middle of a call-out affects the ability of our organisation to undertake its vital community role during emergency incidents.  The SES has no great reserve of equipment so a loss like this has a big impact,” he said.

The chainsaws are Both Stihl saws, anMS362 valued at $1450 and the other an MS310 an valued at $1100.

Tasmania Police have been advised of the theft.  Anyone with information in relation to the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.