THIEVES stole equipment from firefighters attempting to save houses from flooding. A crew from Potters Bar fire station had been called out to Ashwood Road just before midnight on Monday, where around 12 houses had reported flooding after heavy rainfall

THIEVES stole equipment from firefighters attempting to save houses from flooding.

A crew from Potters Bar fire station had been called out to Ashwood Road just before midnight on Monday, where around 12 houses had reported flooding after heavy rainfall and melting snow.

A storm drain had been opened for the water to pour into, and firefighters had placed two "Eflares" around the open hole for the safety of passers by.

Eflares are coloured flashing lights, used at night where road safety is a concern.

But between 1 and 1.30am, the lights were stolen.

Potters Bar fire station commander Trevor Brown said: "The real concern was that they were stolen at a time when we needed them to keep people safe."

Any one with information on the incident should call police on 0845 33 00 222.