Vital safety device stolen from near Coolaroo recycling plant fire

A VITAL piece of firefighting equipment that informs authorities when to evacuate residents has been stolen from near the Coolaroo recycling plant blaze.

A VITAL piece of firefighting equipment, that informs authorities when to evacuate residents, has been stolen from near the Coolaroo recycling plant blaze.

The AreaRAC air monitoring system, which detects smoke particles and levels of carbon monoxide and is relied upon by firefighters to determine whether the area is safe, was stolen from behind the Coolaroo Hotel about 4.30pm.

Air monitoring equip has been stolen from #MFB in #Dallas. Please call @CrimeStopperVic if you know anything about this theft pic.twitter.com/pNNmMK4Fsu

— MFB (@MFB_NEWS) July 14, 2017

A spokesperson for MFB said the equipment was worth more than $10,000 but had no use to anyone but emergency services.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au