Police are investigating the theft of Tasmania Fire Service equipment worth about $25,000 from a fuel reduction burn site near Nunamara in the state’s north overnight.

Inspector Darren Hopkins said that equipment from a locked custom-built trailer was stolen from an area about 5km west of Nunamara, near Prossers Road and the Tasman Highway. Access to the area was blocked by a locked gate.

“On returning to the area about 9am this morning, Tasmania Fire Service staff discovered the tow ball lock on the trailer had been forcibly removed,” he said.

A quantity of equipment including a petrol generator, petrol powered firefighting pump, a number of UHF radios, fridge/esky, and bags of assorted hoses were stolen. The estimated cost of the damage to the custom-built trailer and the stolen property is estimated to be around $25,000.

“Access to the remote area where the trailer was parked is by 4WD or by motorcycle only,” Inspector Hopkins said.

“This theft is very disappointing, especially considering the Tasmania Fire Service is undertaking vital fuel reduction burns to help keep our community safe. This equipment is also used to fight bushfires in bushfire season.

“We’re appealing for anyone with information to contact Police so we can return this important equipment back to Tasmania Fire Service.”

Anyone with any information should contact Launceston Police on 131444 or can report the information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.