Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.COM:
Aug 25, 2008 5:43 pm US/Central
Dallas Police Say Thieves Targeting Fire Stations
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Police in Dallas say thieves are going so far as to target rescue crews, even while they're responding to emergencies.
Firehouses have always had an open-door policy, but at Station #37 on Greenville Avenue, fire crews are being more cautious after being burglarized on two separate occasions.
While on a call Sunday night, firefighters say they parked their ambulance on Melody Lane to take care of a patient. While inside, someone stole a Motorola handheld radio and a cell phone. Later the same night, a suspect entered the fire station through an open garage and stole another radio.
The Greenville Avenue station hasn't been the only theft victim. Officials say there was another theft Sunday night, at Dallas Fire Station #11 on Cedar Springs Road. In that burglary someone entered through an unlocked door and stole $6,000 worth of equipment – including radios, firefighter pants, boots and gloves.
"I always wonder why people steal things, but to reach the all-time low level of stealing from your providers of safety, I just don't know," said Sherrie Lopez with Dallas Fire Rescue.
Fire officials say ambulances must be kept unlocked, so that engines can be kept running during emergency situations.
"Certainly we're gonna re-evaluate our security measures around our stations," Lopez said. "It's just a shame that for years, and years, and years, the fire stations have been places that were welcoming to the public. The doors are always open. You can come in if you need us."
Different safety precautions can be taken at 'brick and mortar' buildings, so Dallas Fire Rescue will start locking the doors at local fire stations. Anyone is still welcome; you just need to ring the doorbell.
Dallas Fire Rescue officials say the stolen equipment is clearly marked and is asking the public for help locating it. All of the burglaries are being investigated. Right now police say they don't know if the crimes are related.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
