Over the Easter weekend, thieves broke into the Terip Terip CFA station on Springs Rd, stealing about $8000 worth of vital equipment.
The theft comes just months after volunteers battled the devastating Longwood fire, with much of the stolen gear having been donated by neighbouring brigades and community recovery hubs to help rebuild the brigade’s capacity.
Terip Terip is a rural area between Ruffy and Merton.
Stolen items included three chainsaws, two quick‑fill pumps, a pressure washer, radios, fuel jerry cans and a range of other tools and protective equipment.
The incident follows similar robberies last week, with Browns Plains CFA and Carlyle CFA (near Rutherglen) also reporting chainsaws stolen from their stations.
Leader of The Nationals Danny O’Brien MP said CFA crews had already endured enough hardship.
“Some brigade members lost homes, sheds and animals, and now they have to endure this as well,” he said.
CFA members say the loss of life‑saving equipment has dealt a major blow to morale.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity, or who may have information about the stolen items, to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or report online.
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