Image via KCRA 3/YouTube
Across the country, emergency vehicles continue to be targeted by thieves who simply climb aboard and drive away. Police cruisers, ambulances, and fire apparatus have all been taken in recent years, sometimes triggering pursuits that put bystanders at risk. The latest case adds another fire truck to that growing list, raising fresh questions about how such large and conspicuous machines keep ending up in the wrong hands.
Departments often leave engines running at scenes so pumps and equipment stay ready, which can create an opening for opportunists. Investigators and fire officials say the incidents are a reminder to balance operational readiness against basic security, and many agencies are now reviewing how their rigs are secured while crews are focused on emergencies.
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