Fire company reports $50,000 theft of rescue equipment in june break-in

CHRISTIANA, Pa. — Authorities are investigating a June burglary at the Christiana Fire Company in Lancaster County, where over $50,000 in emergency rescue tools were stolen during an early morning break-in.

The incident occurred around 3:23 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, when two individuals in separate vehicles entered the station’s parking lot and forced entry through the front door. The suspects then stole critical rescue equipment before fleeing the scene.

The vehicles were last seen traveling south on PA Route 41 at Route 10 in Cochranville, heading toward the Kennett Square/Avondale area, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Christiana Fire Company.

No personnel were present in the building at the time of the break-in, and the fire station was secured as expected. “We did not receive any calls for emergency assistance during this time, and we were 100% available for dispatch directly after this task,” the statement read.

Christiana Fire Company said it delayed the release of information at the request of law enforcement to avoid jeopardizing the ongoing investigation. Police believe the incident may be part of a broader criminal trend targeting emergency and financial service equipment.

“This is an emerging criminal trend on a larger scale,” the release stated, noting that criminals may use the stolen tools in additional crimes, such as ATM thefts.

Images of the suspects and vehicles have been distributed to police. Anyone with information is urged to contact Christiana Borough Police Chief Brian Smyth at 610-593-5199.

The Christiana Fire Company confirmed that the station remains fully operational and ready to respond to calls.

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