'Life-saving' equipment stolen from fire station

Thousands of pounds worth of "life-saving" equipment has been stolen from a fire station in Whaley Bridge.

Hydraulic cutting tools, estimated to be worth up to £25,000, were taken after thieves forced entry through a window at the station off Beech Road at some point between 08:00 and 23:59 BST on Saturday, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) said.

Fire service group manager Nic Lacey said: "Not only does this equipment have a high monetary value, but the real value in this equipment is the role it plays in saving lives, specifically at road traffic collisions where this type of equipment is essential."

Lacey added it was the second time the fire station had been targeted by thieves.

It was also broken into on 8 September 2025, when thieves stole a hydraulic cutting tool worth more £35,000.

In December 2025, DFRS said four of its fire stations, including Whaley Bridge, had been broken into since 2019, costing the service more than £100,000.

Lacey said: "While the service has made improvements to its station security, we would like to ask the public to continue to be vigilant and help us by reporting any suspicious activity at any fire station."

DFRS said a police investigation had been launched.

Anyone with any information has been urged to contact Derbyshire Police.

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