Emergency vehicle thefts continue to be a concern for security. These thefts often result in serious damage and an occasional disruption in services. Current indictions are that these events are not terrorist related, but pose risks to emergency response capabilities and expose general security gaps that could harm a community.

Theft records indicate that thieves, the mentally unstable, substance-impaired individuals, pranksters, and other persons take advantage of the unattended vehicle at a response scene or unsecured stations to steal, “borrow,” or test-drive (e.g., joyride). Parked ambulances and medical-rescue fire engines are often targetted for drug thefts, particularly in urban areas.

Example of a teenager who entered and started a large, extremely expensive fire apparatus and drove away from the emergency response scene while firefighters were engaged indoors. The young driver later failed to negotiate a turn, landed the truck sideways, and slid a short distance. The scope of the damage will leave the vehicle out of service during the lengthy time necessary to repair or replace the custom unit and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars at current emergency vehicle prices.

Emergency vehicles are reportedly stolen more often during shift changes and while idling near hospital emergency rooms and at incident scenes. In some cases, thieves have forced their way into unoccupied stations to “liberate” emergency vehicles and apparatus.

Departments should review their policies on vehicle and station security to reduce risks of theft of vehicles, portable equipment, or EMS drugs, while assuring that security systems themselves do not impede response capability.