Dubbo Rescue Squad volunteers have described this week’s attempted break-in at the Cobra Street base as “low” and “sickening”.
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Thursday morning’s incident makes for the third time in six months the base has fallen victim to crime, although this time it was equipped with a newly-installed security system.
Volunteer Rescue Association’s (VRA) Dubbo Rescue Squad captain, David Chenhall, said while it appears no equipment was stolen, it still comes at a cost.
“It’s frustrating because a majority of our funding is from community support,” he said.
“We’ve replaced about $10,000 worth of equipment from the last two break-ins.”
That figure is expected to reach around the $13,000 mark as the base forks out a further $400 to replace the door, as well as repairs to the fence, locks and further security.
It’s disheartening for the volunteers.
- David Chenhall
Thursday’s incident has also fast-tracked plans to purchase and install CCTV at the base, estimated to cost around $3500.
“We can get cheaper systems but they’re nowhere near as good quality,” David said.
David said the reoccurring incidents bring with them a level of frustration as the majority of equipment on the premises was indirectly purchased by the community.
Captain Chenhall said the amount the squad has spent in replacing stolen goods could have purchased a new piece of life-saving equipment such as the ‘Jaws of Life’, estimated at $12,000.
David and deputy captain Neil Sturrock were left questioning why anyone would target the VRA.
“We’re only here to help and save people, not to make life miserable for people,” David said.
Neil said it could easily be the offender who requires the squad’s help at some stage.
“The people that we help come from all demographics, they (the offender) could need our help,” he said.
“It could be their family, their brother that needs help – we do this for the community.”
“It’s disheartening for the volunteers,” David said.
“The money we’ve raised in the last few months has been wasted.”
They worry about what’s next, but made a point of thanking the community for their support throughout the recent spate of break-ins.
Although it comes as an inconvenience to the VRA, the pair reassure the public it won’t get in the way to the squad’s response to incidents.
