VIDEO: The Manteca Fire Department is calling on residents to check their cameras for any evidence that could help identify thieves who broke into a firehouse and stole lifesaving equipment over the weekend. Five firefighter strike team bags were stolen from a secured storage container at Fire Station No. 3 on West Louise Avenue, the department said. The theft was reported on Sunday at around 10:24 a.m.
Strike team bags are used for wildland fire deployments and contain sleeping bags, boots, uniforms, flashlights and backpacking meals, Fire Chief Steven Islas said in a statement. Each bag is worth about $2,000. The department has recovered two of the bags at nearby businesses, though some of the items are missing. The department did not have surveillance cameras at the station that captured the crime. Anyone with information is urged to contact Manteca police.
