Mr Johnston is a member of the Rossendale and Pendle MRT in Lancashire. Photo: Rossendale and Pendle MRT

A mountain rescue team member had his specialised equipment and team radio stolen after a break-in at his house.

Thieves entered Ian Johnston’s house and stole the keys to two cars, one of which contained his rescue gear.

Mr Johnston, a member of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team in Lancashire, said his silver Volvo V70 had his ‘hill bag’ in it.

One of the items stolen is a specialised GPS-enabled radio used by the volunteer rescuers while on callouts.

The stolen kit was in a black and yellow Grivel 38 rucksack. It contained mountain-rescue branded clothing including a Mountain Equipment Kongur MR waterproof jacket, a Mountain Equipment Fitzroy jacket, a first aid kit and helmet, plus personal outdoor gear.

Mr Johnston said: “Also in the car was a bag containing some technical rescue equipment such as jammers, progress capture devices, sling and crabs, and a third bag had some walker safety rope and throw lines.

“Additionally my mountain rescue radio was taken. It’s a GPS device and will appear if actuated as ’stolen’ on Mountain Rescue Map.”

He said he will probably be able to carry on rescue duties as the team has some spar kit, but the big worry is the loss of the mountain rescue radio.

Mr Johnston said it will cost him about £700 to replace the stolen personal outdoor gear.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lancashire Constabulary on 101.