A series of burglaries occurred in August at fire stations around Lyon, where tools for forcing doors or cutting sheet metal were stolen, multiple sources told AFP on Wednesday. The latest incidents took place earlier this week in the Civrieux and Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne barracks in Ain, according to the Bourg-en-Bresse prosecutor, who specified that investigations would determine if they “are serial thefts.”
Specialized Tools Targeted in Coordinated Thefts
Among the stolen items were “halligan tools,” which are used to force open locked doors, taken from volunteer fire stations where personnel are not present 24/7. Last weekend in Isère, a fire station in Bourgoin-Jallieu, about fifty kilometers east of Lyon, was also burglarized.
In the Rhône department, four burglaries also occurred between August 7 and 18 in the fire stations of Pusignan, Saint-Bonnet-de-Mûre, Vaugneray, and Fontaine-sur-Saône, the Lyon prosecutor’s office indicated. The perpetrators notably took extrication pliers, which are used to cut or spread parts of a crashed vehicle to extract a victim, and are worth several thousand euros.
Investigation into Organized Crime Initiated
For the incidents committed in the Rhône, an investigation has been opened for organized gang theft and criminal association with a view to committing a crime, the prosecutor’s office added. While thefts in fire stations are common in France, this repetition over a short period and in a restricted area is “quite unusual,” highlighted Stéphane Gouezec, general controller at the Departmental-Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service (SDMIS) of the Rhône.
“We can clearly see that this is an organized approach, with the desire to obtain the same equipment each time,” an internal source at the fire department also indicated. Extrication pliers, being very heavy, generally require several people to move, and are also very powerful: “With that, you can lift a metro,” specified Rémy Chabbouh, Sud spokesperson for the SDMIS.
Firefighters Express Frustration Amidst Increased Mobilization
French firefighters have been particularly mobilized this summer, notably on the devastating fires that occurred in France. “They are picking our pockets while we are on the ground everywhere in France,” lamented Rémy Chabbouh.
The Rhône prefecture informed AFP that security would be reinforced in some fire stations in the department, particularly through surveillance cameras linked to the gendarmerie and the police. This measure aims to deter further incidents and protect valuable equipment essential for emergency response.
The ongoing investigation seeks to identify the perpetrators and understand the motive behind these targeted thefts. The unusual nature and coordination of these burglaries suggest a deliberate effort to acquire specialized tools, raising concerns about potential misuse or resale.
Community Impact and Security Measures
The loss of these critical tools can impact the effectiveness and speed of emergency services, potentially endangering lives. The local community relies heavily on the rapid response capabilities of its fire departments, making these thefts a significant public safety concern.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to these burglaries to come forward and assist in the investigation. The heightened security measures in fire stations reflect the seriousness with which these incidents are being treated by both local and national authorities.
The fire department’s commitment to public safety remains unwavering despite these challenges. Efforts are underway to replace the stolen equipment and ensure that emergency services continue to operate without interruption.
