Thieves broke in to the site in Portsmouth Road between midnight and 3am making off with a number of specialist devices.

They include hydraulic cutting and spreading tools, which firefighters use to help rescue people trapped in vehicles.

Contingency arrangements have been put in place and the service says it remains able to respond to emergency incidents.

Dan Quin, Chief Fire Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I am extremely disappointed that an emergency service has been targeted in this way, following an appalling national trend.

“We are working closely with Surrey Police and are determined to do everything we can to trace this equipment and identify those responsible. The stolen items are geo-fenced meaning it can be GPS tracked and remotely disabled, meaning they will be of no operational use to anyone who has taken them. We will pursue every available line of enquiry and we urge those involved, or anyone with information, to come forward now.

“We still need support from local residents to help build the clearest possible picture of what happened. Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area of Painshill Fire Station between midnight to 3.05am this morning, or who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Surrey Police quoting reference: PR/45260109612 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”