A man has been charged after a fire station was broken into and property stolen earlier this week.
On Wednesday (27 May 2026), officers attached to Chifley Police District commenced an investigation after reports a fire station on Magpie Hollow Road, Rydal, was allegedly broken into just after midnight.
Numerous items were allegedly stolen including a chainsaw, portable water pump, the vehicle's batteries, several drip torches, a full fuel container, and a fire truck.
About 10am that same day, emergency services were notified after a burnt-out NSW Rural Fire Service truck was located on Sugarmans Road, Rydal, near the Great Western Highway, west of Lithgow.
The cabin was destroyed by fire, however the equipment in the tray was undamaged.
Police established a crime scene, and the truck was seized for forensic examination.
Following inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a campsite in Wallerawang, where they allegedly located and seized the stolen items.
A 58-year-old man was arrested on scene and taken to Lithgow Police Station, where he was charged with break and enter house etc steal value less than or equal to $60,000, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle), and possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 4 tomorrow (Saturday 30 May 2026).
An investigation continues into the incident.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
