Man fined for stealing firefighter's helmet

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the helmet was worth about £270

A man who stole a firefighter's helmet during a blaze at a former factory has been fined.

Norfolk Fire Service said the helmet was taken from Silver Road as crews attended the nearby Van-Dal shoe site in Dibden Road, Norwich on 20 January.

It said the theft meant an officer was unable to go back to the scene until a replacement was found.

Jacob Bristow, 48, of Thorpe Road in the city pleaded guilty to theft at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was ordered to pay £248.50.

He also admitted two counts of theft from shops in Norwich city centre.

The fire occurred at the former Van-Dal shoe factory on Dibden Road in January

Norfolk Police said the helmet, worth about £270, had been recovered and returned to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

Chief Fire Officer Ceri Summer said: "Our firefighters are reliant on personal protective equipment like helmets while they tackle fires.

"Without it they are unable to do their job in keeping Norfolk safe, which is why taking a firefighter's helmet at the scene of an incident is such a dangerous thing to do."