Police investigating after Western Downs SES vehicle and rescue equipment stolen

Police are appealing for information after an SES vehicle was stolen and found burnt out earlier this week. Find out more.

A Western Downs SES vehicle was found burnt out after it was reported stolen.

A volunteer organisation has been left devastated after thieves broke into their Dalby facility and stolen vital equipment, including one of their two rescue vehicles.

In a statement Queensland Police said they were appealing for public assistance after a vehicle was stolen from the SES Western Downs shed in Dalby this week.

Police believe the Bligh St facility was broken into on Monday night and keys were stolen for an Isuzu D-Max, which was parked in front of the shed.

The thieves have then stolen the Isuzu which was subsequently located burnt out on Dalby Cecil Plains Rd on Wednesday morning.

In a post to social media the SES Western Downs said the gutless act had a serious impact on a organisation just trying to help the community.

“Our SES community is made up of volunteers who give up their time to help your community in times of need. Our Dalby SES volunteers have given their time and effort in times of flood, fire, storm and many other events over a long period of time,” they wrote.

“Our volunteers are devastated that one of our two vehicles was stolen and located … burnt out near Dalby.

“Volunteering is hard enough at the best of times, our volunteers are doing it tough. Our volunteers have put in countless hours over many years within the Dalby SES facility and the Western Downs area – we are devastated.”

They also said the thieves had stolen rescue equipment.

“These thieves have stolen a large amount of vital equipment which is essential for emergency response to our community,” they wrote.

“The vast majority of our equipment is donated or obtained over time through community and business grants – it is not just equipment provided by the government.

“It is not only devastating to lose equipment, it is the violation of our group, but it is also the not knowing. It is trying to put things back in a ransacked facility, it is finding out what is missing, it is looking for something to find it missing and so much more.”

Police are currently investigating and have asked anyone with information to contact Dalby Police, Crimestoppers (1800 333 000) or Policelink – 131 444.

SES Dalby have also said they are seeking new members to join their ranks and have asked anyone who is interested to reach out.