Surrey Search and Rescue trucks hit by thieves

Surrey Search and Rescue volunteers were shocked to find their compound breached, trucks battered and gear gone Monday morning after thieves cut through a chain link fence.

Larry Kost said he was accepting scaffolding from adonor to build a shelter to house their rescue operation boat, when he noticed vehicle doors open and battered.

Christmas a time service needed

"There were tell-tale signs if a break-in," said Kost, who says the theft hampers the non-profit society'sability to help people by putting two vehicles out of commission.

"They focussed on two vehicles and went to town on them." he said.

The vehicles were damaged when the doors were pried open, leaving them unable to shut properly.

A lot of crucial gear was also gone, including anoutboard motor. Kost estimated $5,000 worth of equipment was missing, and he continues to do inventory.

He said the Christmas season can be a "double-edged sword, as some people take it as a joyous time; some not so much."

Hopes for silver lining

In order to get to the trucks the thieves crossed a piece of undeveloped land covered with scrub brush not far from the Surrey pre-trial centre and police buildings, and cut out a metre-square chunk of chain link fence.

"I don't necessarilyequate Christmas with this.I just equate the loss of equipment withthe loss of us being able to respond," said Kost who estimates that Surrey Search and Rescue takes 40 or more calls for service each year to Richmond, White Rock, Delta and Surrey.

He hopes that this theft leads to their gear being kept in a more secure facility.

"We hope there will be a silver lining in this."