BURGLARS have stolen vital lifesaving equipment from Bordon fire station.

The thieves broke into the Conde Way station overnight last Monday and took a sledgehammer, crowbar and battery-powered saw.

Firefighters at the Bordon retained station discovered the break-in and missing equipment on Tuesday morning.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the theft would not affect the service it provides.

Tweeting about the incident, a spokesman for Bordon fire station said: “A sad day. The station was broken into overnight and crucial equipment stolen. Any information would be gratefully received. We will still respond if needed.”

The fire station burglary followed a break-in before Christmas at the home of the Army Cadet Force at Wolfe House on Farnham Road, Bordon.

Shortly after noon on December 23, thieves broke into the building by smashing a back window.

Clothing, food and a small amount of cash was stolen.

Police believe the Wolfe House break-in may be connected with a spate of burglaries that followed it in Alton.

Eight reports were received on Christmas Eve about break-ins at commercial premises in Alton on Drayman’s Way, Station Road, Anstey Lane and Vicarage Hill.

These included a break in at St Lawrence Church Hall, where nothing was stolen, and the air and Army cadets headquarters at Anstey Park.

Flight Lieutenant Lorna Phillips said intruders had broken into the building and thrown bleach over everything, but nothing was taken.

Energique Health Club at Anstey Park, Pets Corner in Drayman’s Way and the Station Cafe, at Alton Station, and Wilson Taxis were also targeted.

“We are investigating whether these reports are linked, and all of these incidents relate to forced entry to empty commercial or community premises, rather than homes,” a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said.

“Where items have been taken, this seems to be small amounts of cash, such as till floats.

“One report indicated two people wearing hooded tops acting suspiciously, one was carrying a rucksack.

“CCTV is now being reviewed as part of the investigation. We are also conducting enquiries to see if these burglaries are linked to other reports made in the Bordon area earlier this week.”

If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the areas of Bordon or Alton described above, call Sergeant Claire Winter at Alton police station on 101, quoting 44150450582, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.