VANDALISM AT SHANNON

Chronicle (Levin), 5 January 1948, Page 3

VANDALISM AT SHANNON

fire engine tampered with . Although vandalism was not great in Shannon during the New Year celebrations, one serious case was reported. During the evening some unauthorised . persons entered the local fire station and tampered with, the engine, leaving the panel lights switched on, with the result that when a routine check was made of the equipment a few days later it was found that the battery was completely discharged. This could have had serious consequences had a call been received by the brigade. It appears that vandals had made an endeavour to start the engine to use the siren to herald in the New Year. This case is one of •the most serious reported in Shannon for some time as, with the present 'dry weather, there is a continuous danger of grass fires breaking out and it is only throagh prompt action by the brigade that the spreading of fire and the possible destruction of property can be prevented. The superintendent of the brigade, Mr. C. G. Wishart, stated that the matter of vandalism was viewed gravely by the brigade, and any further tampering with the engme would be subject to an investigation and the offender brougfit to justice. Mr. Wishart said that had the equipment not been subject to a routine check every two or tfiree days, the damage might not have been discovered until an emergency occurred. The public of Shannon and district have contributed to equip ihe j local fire brigade with most up-to-date equipment and a band of I volunteer firemen man the equipment to prevent the destruction of property in this town and the outlying district, and it is only with the co-operation of the public generally that the equipment can be kept in first class condition. If any person notices unauthorised persons pn the brigade property they are requested to notify the police or the superintendent of the origade. It is generally known that the fire station doors are open to enable the first fireman on the scene to prepare the equipment in the event of an alarm. During the war years a number of cases of petrol being stolen from the engine were reported.