Brigade captain Noel Davis said the water was relatively valueless and the crooks had not stolen enough to pose any risk to the unit’s firefighting capabilities, but “it beggared to be believed” that the Country Fire Authority would be a target for crime.

“It’s just the fact that they’re stealing from the CFA and if they decide to take a lot of the water it would affect us, but people around the area are watching the shed now,” he said.

“They’re pinching from the CFA and as far as I’m concerned that’s a no no.”

Mr Davis said 2000 litres of water was taken from two separate tanks on the property, with a total value of about $5.

“I was talking to someone in Sutton Grange who bought 1000 litres of water last year and they were charged $2.30 or something for 1000 litres of water, which is insignificant, and the first rain we have will fill up what were missing,” he said.

“If they’re that bloody hard up they can come to my place and I’ll give them 1000 litres of water.”

Castlemaine police leading senior constable Wayne Cairnes said while the value of the water was not high, the targeting of emergency services was particularly disappointing and could have serious consequences.

“It’s all well and good for you taking the water but if you’re suddenly the person who now needs the water for your house or property that might be on fire and if you’re the person stealing the water eventually the water’s got to run out,” he said.

“If everyone starts doing that and then suddenly one day there’s a situation where it’s a high fire danger season and suddenly there’s not enough water the situation becomes a lot more critical.”

Leading Senior Constable Cairnes urged anyone who saw any suspicious vehicles loitering near fire stations to call triple zero or Castlemaine police on 5470 4100.

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