FIREFIGHTERS from a Powys station say they are “absolutely devastated” after thieves broke in and stole valuable equipment last week.

Burglars broke into Knighton Fire Station overnight on Thursday, November 16, with the station reporting that lifesaving equipment firefighters use to deal with the likes of road traffic collisions (RTCs), property fires and water rescues was stolen.

Police said the incident happened sometime between 9pm on Wednesday, November 15, and 7.45am on Thursday morning.

“We as a crew are absolutely devastated as sometime from 9pm last night and 7.30am this morning our station was broken into,” Knighton Fire Station said in a post on its Facebook page on Thursday.

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“The thieves got away with vital lifesaving equipment we use for RTCs, property fires and water rescues.

“If you have any information at all that could help in identifying the criminal's please contact Dyfed Powys Police, this could be CCTV or doorbell footage overnight, or if you saw or heard anything. Thank you.”

The incident in Knighton is believed to be linked to another attempted theft in Rhayader, the same night.

Thieves trying to steal cash from a cashpoint at a Spar store on West Street at around 3am on Thursday – but it is thought they were thwarted by locals. Police believe both incidents could be related.

“Police are investigating two burglaries which occurred sometime overnight in mid Powys,” said the force in a statement last week.

“Sometime between 9pm on Wednesday, 15th November, and 7.45am on Thursday, 16th November, lifesaving and safety equipment was stolen from the fire station, on Plough Road, Knighton.

“At approximately 3am entry was gained to the Spar Stores, West Street, Rhayader, and attempts made to gain access to the cashpoint machine.

“A black five-door car, described as being similar to an Audi, with 4 occupants, was seen leaving the scene.”

If anyone can help officers, contact police and mention the following reference numbers: 23001146137 (Knighton) and 23001145648 (Rhayader).

County Times: Thieves broke into Rhayader's Spar shop and attempted to steal cash from the ATM. Thieves broke into Rhayader's Spar shop and attempted to steal cash from the ATM. (Image: Megan Jones)

“Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Police quoting the above references,” added police.

“Police would especially like to hear from anyone in the area with any vehicle registration number plates missing.”

Reports locally in Rhayader said the attempted theft was prevented due to one or more persons disturbing the would-be thieves. Rhayader county councillor Angela Davies labelled the attempted theft a “bold move”.

Dyfed Powys Police can be contacted either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, via email on 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.