Wyndham State Emergency Service volunteers say they feel as if they have been “kicked in the guts” after their Werribee base was broken into last week.
Thieves entered the SES building behind the Wyndham Civic Centre overnight on June 29-30 and stole equipment valued at $8000, including two chainsaws, two generators and a demolition saw.
Unit controller Laurie Russell said the generators were “fairly new” blue Yamaha models that were quite distinctive. The thieves used an angle grinder to break into the building by the back door. It’s the first time the SES has been broken into since it moved into the building in 1983.
Mr Russell said most of the equipment had been bought using money granted or donated to the unit and Wyndham would be down to one SES vehicle until the equipment was replaced.
“It’s a really big kick in the guts for members who do so much for the community,” he said. “Our members give their time readily to help the community. It’s not good that we have people who would rob an emergency service. It’s disappointing.”
The SES is talking to a security company about improving security, but Mr Russell said not a lot could be done. “We can’t lock the equipment away because we need to get to it quickly in an emergency.”
Werribee police are investigating the break-in. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
