A FIREFIGHTER has warned about leaving children and pets locked in cars in summer after two separate incidents.
Warrnambool Fire Rescue Victoria senior station officer Troy Cleverley told The Standard FRV attended to two children locked in a car on Lava Street outside a shop on Tuesday.
On the previous Thursday, FRV assisted a child locked in a car parked in the Aldi Supermarket carpark on Lava Street.
Mr Cleverley said it was unacceptable for parents and carers to leave children in the car.
"It causes distress and can lead to death or injury, which at a minimum could be heat stress," he said.
Mr Cleverley said if a passer-by was concerned for the safety of a child or animal in the car, they should contact 000.
He said emergency services members would only force entry into the vehicle if a child or animal was distressed. When an animal is left in the car, the RSPCA could be called and take custody of the animal.
Mr Cleverley said the recent incidents were a timely reminder not to lock children and pets in the car.
"We understand everyone and all of the shops are busy at this time of year," he said.
"At no circumstances is it appropriate to leave children and animals in a car - even if a window is left cracked open.
