Anger as vital defib ripped from shop wall
THE local branch of the Order of Malta has launched a Go fund page to replace the public access automated external defibrillator (AED) which was stolen and vandalised from its box outside the Aston Village Village Shop. The unit was taken and damaged by two male youths, who were captured on CCTV, on Friday December 6th at around 9.30pm.
Gardai are in possession of the CCTV, and locals are being asked to report if they saw anyone suspicious in the area of the shop around that time.
The shop broke the news on their facebook page on Saturday morning, saying ‘ there are no words!’
“Two tramps smashed the plastic glass and stole the AED defibrillator from outside the shop at approx. 9.30pm last night,” said the post.
“Both were drinking cans, and the guards have a copy of the CCTV’.
Former local councillor, Kenneth Flood, who assisted with the fundraising for the defibrillator, has condemned the theft of the lifesaving equipment.
“There really are some low people about, to come into our area and smash and rob our defibrillator,” he commented.
“After all the work put in to get it and to train a dozen residents and school staff how to use it. It’s lifesaving equipment. You can’t sell it on.”
The unit was located on Monday morning, but had sustained some damage, and it was not clear if it could be repaired.
The Order of Malta also branded it ‘disgraceful behaviour by those involved’ and is seeking to replace it as soon as possible.
It will cost €2,000 to replace the stolen AED and they ask that if anyone is willing to help, please donate via the Go Fund Me ‘Replace the AED’ page.
“Thankfully it looks like the cabinet can be repaired, but we’ll know better when we receive the replacement plastic panel from our suppliers,” said a spokesman. “
It is believed that two public defibs have saved lives in Drogheda already this year.