Police are investigating the thefts of emergency services equipment in Launceston earlier this week.

On Sunday night, a Tasmania Fire Service vehicle was entered at South Launceston and equipment worth about $8000 was stolen. On Monday night, a State Emergency Service vehicle was entered at Newstead with equipment worth about $3000 stolen.

The property stolen includes a variety of cameras and photographic related items, assorted Milwaulkee tools, clothing items, portable radios and vehicle recovery equipment. Entry was forced to both vehicles causing additional damage.

Inspector Ruth Orr said: “It’s deeply concerning that people are prepared to enter clearly marked emergency service vehicles and steal property associated with saving lives. Our emergency services personnel are on call 24/7 and this responsibility necessitates them having departmental vehicles at home, ready to go, with all their gear, when notified at short notice that the community needs assistance.”

Inspector Orr strongly encouraged anybody with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously if people wish to do so.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, a 39 year old Patersonia man has been charged following the recovery of TFS equipment worth about $25,000 which was reported stolen in October.

On 3 December, police executed a search warrant and located a large amount of the stolen firefighting equipment at a residence in Patersonia. As a result of that search, the man was charged with possession of stolen property among other property offences.

The equipment has been returned to the Tasmania Fire Service.

The man has been bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.