About $4000 worth of CFA communication equipment has been stolen from a south-west fire tower in the lead-up to one of the hottest days of summer so far.
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Region 5 operations operations manager Richard Bourke said investigations were continuing into the theft of the two Tait Model TM 9100 radios from the Mount Warrnambool fire tower.
They are valued at $2000 each.
“They are essential communication in fire towers,” Mr Bourke said.
Mr Bourke said the radios needed to be replaced quickly with fire conditions expected to worsen later in the week.
Temperatures are expected to peak at 38 degrees in Warrnambool on Saturday with winds of up to 50 kilometres an hour.
“We need to replace those resources because they will need to be operating for Saturday,” Mr Bourke said.
Port Fairy Leading Senior Constable Glenn McDuff said it was believed the equipment had been stolen between fire seasons.
He said the radios had been removed skilfully, not just ripped out.
“If anyone has seen any suspicious activity at Mount Warrnambool in the period from April to December, we’d like to hear from them,” he said.
“It’s a shame such important community equipment has been targeted by thieves.”
Senior Constable McDuff also warned the public to be wary of people trying to sell such communication equipment.
He urged anyone with information to contact Port Fairy police station on 5568 1007.
Alternatively, people can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au