A THIEF has stolen tools from a fire engine in Whitby.

Police called the crime despicable and said it could have led to a tragedy.

Someone broke into the vehicle in Ainthorpe Lane, Danby, between Saturday and Monday.

The thief or thieves too a red door enforcer with the serial number X211165, a pair of blue croppers with the serial number X212274 and a Halligan bar, bearing the serial number X212273.

A Halligan bar is a specialist tool used by the fire service to force entry to properties.

PC Darren Mortimer, of Whitby Police, said: “This is a despicable theft. Had the fire engine been called to an emergency which required fire fighters to force entry to a property, not having the essential equipment could have led to a tragedy.”