January 13, 2022

A 22-year-old Wondai man has been charged with the theft of a 4WD and items from the Wondai SES shed last week.

Murgon detectives arrested the man on Tuesday.

He has been charged with enter premises and commit an indictable offence.

Police will allege that on January 8, rescue equipment, electronics, tools and a Toyota LandCruiser 4WD were stolen from the SES administration office and vehicle shed.

The LandCruiser and its keys were located by members of the public on January 9 near a property on Black Street in Murgon.

The man has been granted bail under strict conditions and is due to appear at the Murgon Magistrates Court on March 15.

Police investigations are continuing as some of the items allegedly stolen from the SES shed have not yet been recovered.

Detective Sergeant Martin Hunter said the theft of the property had meant local SES personnel were unable to join the response to the recent flooding disaster in the South Burnett region.

“This was an extremely disappointing incident given the recent flooding events in Murgon and the surrounding areas of Cherbourg, Goomeri, and Wondai, as the Wondai SES unit was unable to be deployed and assist the community in their time of need,” Det Sgt Hunter said.

“Each member of the community understands and appreciates the work of the SES, which are a volunteer-based organisation, especially during flash-flooding incidents.

“The Queensland Police Service and other emergency responders rely on members of the SES in emergency situations when the primary focus is assisting members of the community to stay safe during severe weather events.”

Police urge anyone with information that may be able to assist investigations to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800-333-000.

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