The Nar Nar Goon firies are disappointed that a rainwater pump was stolen. Justin Seddon, Colin Coppins, Wes Ritchie and Marc Jensen with captain Geoff Bronley met at the brigade on Monday night. 83707
By Danielle Galvin
MEMBERS of the Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade say it’s a waste of taxpayer money to replace the rainwater pump stolen last week.
Somewhere between Sunday 24 June and Wednesday 27 June, the rainwater pump was stolen, including its fittings, from the back of the fire brigade.
Nar Nar Goon CFA chief Geoff Bramley said he believed the rainwater pump and tank was donated by the Myer Foundation and that he was “disappointed” to find it stolen.
“It was there on Sunday and sometime between then and Wednesday, the pump was stolen,” he said.
Mr Bramley said the trucks weren’t washed in that time, although normally they were.
The brigade uses the rainwater to wash the trucks two to three times a week, especially in the cooler months.
“We take great pride in our trucks – we want to keep them looking good,” he said.
“These trucks are for the benefit of the community and we like to keep them clean.”
The brigade reported the robbery to the Bunyip Police, who put out a call for information in local newsletters.
“Tuesday we were busy and then Wednesday we had a job in Pakenham,” Second Lieutenant Marc Jensen said.
“We had a look and it was gone.”
Wes Ritchie from the brigade estimated the pump would cost around $400-$600 and said he couldn’t understand why someone would steal something from the brigade.
“CFA insurance will cover it, but this is a community asset and a waste of taxpayer money,” he said.
“They ripped the pipework out too.
“Who pays for the plumber? It’s more about the damage they have caused.”
The brigade has recently put in deadlocks, locks on the windows and other security measures in an effort to stave off thieves.
“It’s just disappointing but it’s also the nuisance factor – we can’t be here all the time,” Mr Bramley said.
Mr Jensen said in the two and a half days when the pump could have been stolen, the brigade was busy out on the road serving the community.
“The brigade had responded to seven call-outs over these two and a half days,” he said.
“The brigade works hard to raise funds in the community and to have money wasted on replacing an item like this when there are so many other things we could purchase to aid in our level of response is really disappointing,” Mr Jensen said.
Detective Senior Constable David Mealia from Cardinia CIU said the offenders entered the Carney Street premises and took a green water pump which was attached to the wall.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Bunyip Police on 5629 5205, Pakenham Police on 5945 2500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
