Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has appealed for the return of a number of pieces of important operational equipment which were stolen during a burglary in a County Antrim fire station.
The items were taken in an overnight burglary which took place at Crumlin Fire Station.
Police appealed for information on Tuesday morning, 11 March, after receiving a report of the incident.
Commenting, Sergeant Davidson, said:
“At approximately 7.40am, it was reported that the fire station on the Mill Road had been broken into and a number of items were stolen.
“Following initial enquiries, we believe the break-in occurred sometime overnight.
“It was discovered that a large quantity of vital equipment had been taken.
“The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and local firefighters, work so hard for their community, and it is extremely disappointing that it would be targeted in this way.”
Ryan Thompson, Northern Area Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said:
“I can confirm that several pieces of equipment, which are critical to our operational response to road traffic collisions (RTC), have been stolen from Crumlin Fire Station, Co Antrim following a break-in sometime overnight, Tuesday 11 March 2025.
“These vital pieces of operational equipment are used by Crumlin Firefighters to help rescue casualties involved in serious road traffic collisions who need released from vehicles urgently. I am appealing for these items to be returned to the Fire Station immediately.
“The theft of this vital equipment does not only prevent our Firefighters from saving lives it also causes great concern in the local community.
“I would like to reassure the local community that NIFRS immediately put contingency arrangements in place to ensure that our operational response capability to the Crumlin area was maintained whilst the stolen items are replaced and to allow the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to conduct their investigation.
“It’s very disappointing that local Firefighters who work tirelessly for their community, would be targeted in this way. I recognise the impact this has had on Crumlin Firefighters and I would like to thank them for their support at this time.”
Police say enquiries are continuing and they are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage in the area.
“We would ask anyone who has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact PSNI on 101 quoting reference number 209 11/03/25. You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form here. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.”