The Christiana Fire Company in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is dealing with the aftermath of a significant robbery. On Thursday, June 12, two suspects broke into the fire station on South Bridge Street and stole over $50,000 worth of life-saving equipment, including the jaws of life, a small generator, a splitter tool, and a battering ram. These tools are essential for rescuing people trapped in vehicles during emergencies.
According to CBS21, the suspects arrived in separate vehicles and forced their way through the front door at 3:23 a.m. They were last seen heading south on Route 41 near Route 10 in Cochranville, traveling toward the Kennett Square and Avondale area. Surveillance footage captured the suspects and their vehicles, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Christiana Borough Police Chief Brian Smyth at 610-593-5199.
Christiana Fire Company President Michael Ross expressed shock over the incident, stating, "We don't expect things like this to happen, especially to a volunteer fire company." The theft is part of an emerging trend where criminals use such tools to break into ATMs, as reported by Local 21 News.
The fire station was temporarily out of service during the investigation, but fortunately, no emergency calls were missed. Law enforcement is investigating a similar theft that occurred days later in Cockeysville, Maryland, and believes the incidents may be related. Authorities are asking residents and business owners to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.