THIEVES have targeted emergency service equipment in two separate thefts over a three-day period.

Vital tools used by the London Ambulance Service and the Fire Brigade were taken in two unrelated incidents.

An ambulance parked outside the Flower of Kent pub, in Florence Road, New Cross, was targeted as the crew attended a call

Someone walked into the back of the vehicle and stole an Entinox cylinder head and tubing at 11.55pm, last Sunday.

Police said the gas often called laughing gas is used for pain control but can be very dangerous.

Then, Lewisham Fire station, in Lewisham High Street, was targeted at 6am, last Friday.

Two sets of bolt cutters, measuring three-and-a-half feet and two feet, used to cut people out of cars were taken.

A police spokesman said: "Clearly it is just such an ignorant thing to do, these are the things the ambulance service and fire brigade need. It is stupid."

In both cases, there are no descriptions of the thief/thieves. Anyone with information should call Catford crime desk on 020 8284 5100.

December 19, 2001 10:00