TWO men have been charged in connection with a break in at Newent Fire Station and two other burglaries.

The station had to be temporarily closed after hydraulic rescue and other equipment were stolen and the emergency mobilising system damaged in December.

Two Churchdown men appeared before Cheltenham magistrates last Wednesday (February 3) each accused of high-value burglaries relating to the station and two non-residential properties in Bishops Norton.

Vincent Smith, aged 39, of Parkside Close, was recalled to prison.

Jack McIntosh, aged 33, of Shamrock Close, was released on bail to reappear on Wednesday, March 3.

A police investigation was launched after a break-in was discovered at Newent Fire Station on Saturday morning, December 5.

Chief Fire Officer for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Wayne Bowcock said on Sunday, December 6, the break-in had been discovered the previous day at 3am by a member of staff.

“Thieves stole hydraulic rescue and other equipment from the fire engine along with computer equipment,” he added.

“In addition the emergency mobilising system was vandalised putting the station out of operation until it was repaired on Saturday.

“This fire station is here to protect the community and this mindless act has put people’s lives at risk.

“In addition, the cost of replacing the equipment and repairing the station are an unnecessary burden on public funds.

“I want to reassure the public that due to the excellent work of our crews at Newent Fire Station, and other specialist teams from the fire and rescue service, the fire engine is now fully available.”