ORLANDO, Fla. – Thieves broke into 11 vehicles at three Orange County fire stations over a two-day span this week, taking several items from the cars, deputies said.
The vehicle burglaries were first reported Sunday morning at Orange County Fire Station 34 at 4000 Winter Garden Vineland Road and Orange County Fire Station 44 at 14230 Reams Road.
Deputies were then called at 3 a.m. Monday called to Orange County Fire Station 33 at 1700 S. Apopka Vineland Road, where more vehicles were broken into, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.
Officials have not specified the items stolen from the cars.
“It’s super unfortunate. This is happening nationwide. It’s not just Orange County,” Orange County Fire Rescue Division Chief John Westmoreland said. “They are frustrated and we’re frustrated. Our men and women put their lives on the line every day. They serve 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so it’s critically important that their personal belongings are safe at work.”
Westmoreland said the department is looking into whether false alarm calls were made to distract firefighters.
“The message is to stop. Do not break into vehicles inside fire station parking lots. It’s not appropriate. It’s criminal activity and it really affects our ability to serve the public,” Westmoreland said.
Sheriff’s officials said Tuesday that there is no suspect information or additional information to provide.
An investigation is ongoing.