A VOLUNTEER firefighter has returned from supporting crews in the Gippsland bushfires to find her ute had been stolen.
Shannyn Smith drove to the Pyramid Hill Fire Brigade on Saturday morning and parked her 2009 silver Nissan Navara twin cab ute at the back of the station.
Ms Smith and other firefighters in the region then drove to Kerang before flying to Gippsland to support crews fighting in Omeo and Hotham.
Ms Smith returned home on Wednesday afternoon to find her ute was no longer parked at the station.
She said locals saw the car at the weekend. Ms Smith believed the car was taken about 8pm on Monday.
She said it was difficult to return from firefighting to find her ute had been stolen.
"The locals were so appreciative in Gippsland," she said. "To come back to this is just a complete 180 degrees."
Ms Smith only purchased the ute in August and uses the vehicle for work on her family farm in Yarrawalla.
Anyone with information about the theft has been urged to contact the Pyramid Hill Police Station on 5455 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
People can also make an anonymous report at crimestoppers.com.au
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
