WDIV
Reprinted with Permission

DETRIOT, Mich. - Detroit fire officials said firehouses are being broken into while firefighters are out on their runs.

There have been at least five break-ins at three Detroit Fire Department engine houses on the city's east side in the last two weeks.

Ladder 19 has been hit three times, while Engine 41 and Engine 23 have also had items stolen.

Friday, just as firefighters at Engine 41 sat down for dinner, they were sent out on a call. When they returned, the food was gone from their table.

"They never had a chance to eat before they went out on the run. They came back and they were tired, hungry, thirsty," said Lt. Michael Lucero. "It's just disheartening ... food can be replaced, lives can't."

The thieves have made off with basic supplies, cleaning materials, toilet paper and empty returnables.

"Minor stuff like trash bags, dish soap, potatoes, pastries ... things like that. Stuff we have to buy," said Lt. Edward Nadolski. "We've got fences up, we've got gates locked. It's not like we're not taking precautions to lock our stuff down. But it's unnerving that that this is going on."

Detroit police said investigators are not sure if someone is breaking into the buildings or somehow got a hold of a master key.

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