Volunteer firefighters in the regional Victorian town of Winchelsea have been left shocked and disheartened after their station was targeted in an attempted burglary. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of a recent morning, saw would-be thieves cause considerable damage in a failed effort to steal from the brigade.
Forced Entry and Damage at Community Hub
According to Victoria Police, the break-in attempt happened at the Winchelsea Fire Brigade station on Hesse Street between 1am and 7am on Thursday, March 28. Investigators believe offenders used a tool to force open a rear door to gain entry to the facility.
Once inside, the intruders caused significant damage to internal doors and cupboards as they searched the premises. Despite the extensive ransacking, it appears the offenders ultimately left empty-handed, failing to steal any of the brigade's valuable firefighting equipment or other items.
The senseless act has struck a deep chord within the close-knit community, where the volunteer fire brigade is a respected and vital institution.
A 'Heartbreaking' Blow to Volunteers
Local authorities and community leaders have expressed their dismay at the attack on the emergency service hub. A police spokesperson described the incident as particularly distressing given the station's role in protecting the community.
The Winchelsea Fire Brigade is a volunteer-based organisation, with members giving their time freely to respond to emergencies, conduct training, and maintain their equipment and station. The break-in represents not just property damage, but a violation of a community asset built and sustained by local goodwill.
"It's heartbreaking to see a place dedicated to saving lives and property treated with such disrespect," a community source familiar with the brigade stated. The incident has diverted volunteer time and resources away from essential training and readiness, forcing members to deal with repairs and security concerns.
Police Investigation and Community Appeal
Victoria Police from the Geelong Divisional Response Unit have taken charge of the investigation. Detectives are currently examining the scene for forensic evidence and are expected to review any available CCTV footage from the area to identify those responsible.
Authorities are now appealing to the public for assistance. Police are urging anyone with information, or who noticed suspicious activity around the Hesse Street station in the early hours of March 28, to come forward.
This includes residents or motorists who may have dashcam footage that could aid the investigation. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers anonymously, highlighting the community's role in safeguarding its own essential services.
The targeting of an emergency service station raises serious concerns and underscores the vulnerability of community infrastructure. As the Winchelsea volunteers work to repair the damage, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by regional emergency services.
