January 9, 2022
UPDATE: The Troop Carrier has now been located.
Earlier:
Thieves have targeted the Wondai and Murgon SES sheds, stealing a 4WD and vital equipment.
The Murgon break-in is believed to have occurred on Friday night or Saturday morning, with equipment including chainsaws stolen.
On Saturday evening or Sunday morning, the Wondai SES shed was broken into and a Toyota Troop Carrier taken (QGF-F77).
Also stolen was a significant amount of equipment, including Stihl chainsaws, generators, tools, lights and portable radios.
SES South Burnett Local Controller Robyn Baker said the first theft had actually occurred when volunteers were out with their swift water boat during an emergency at Tansey.
She said the thefts were a “despicable” act which had effectively put the Murgon and Wondai SES units out of action at a time when getting outside help was “problematic”.
Robyn said the thefts would affect the speed at which the SES would be able to respond to local incidents.
“It is really a smack in the face for our volunteers,” Robyn said.
“Morale was already hard because of COVID.”
Since the break-ins, a decision has been made to remove all equipment from local SES sheds.
Robyn urged anyone who knows anything, or sees any of the items for sale, to ring Policelink on 13-14-44 or message the North Coast Region SES Facebook page
“Ultimately, we want to catch them,” she said.
[UPDATED]
