Police hit out at ‘disgraceful’ defibrillator thieves after crime spree
A NUMBER OF LIFESAVING DEVICES HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THE HINCKLEY AREA
POLICE have called out the “disgraceful” thieves who stole a series of life-saving defibrillators. The thefts last month spanned two counties, Northampton and Leicestershire.
Inspector Dave Williams, of Warwickshire Police, spoke out to condemn those responsible for the thefts, which saw several defibrillators stolen from Co-Operative stores and outside locations in the two counties, including in the Hinckley area.
Officers are continuing to search for the thieves, Insp Williams said. Previously, it had been reported that the defibrillators had been ‘forcibly’ removed from walls at several locations on the Leicestershire and Warwickshire border, including two which were reportedly taken in Burbage and Croft Hill.
The majority were taken in Warwickshire, with two taken in Nuneaton. A third was stolen from the outside of a Co-Op in Bulkington, with an unknown male captured on CCTV making off from the scene on foot. However, the image quality is not good enough for officers to identify him.
The anger in the wake of the thefts has been palpable. The West Midlands Ambulance Service had previously called the thefts “unbelievable” and believed it was a crime that could have severe repercussions for anyone in need.
“It is unbelievable that someone can think it is acceptable to steal a life-saving device,” a spokesman said.
“How would they feel if their loved one needed a defibrillator, only to find it wasn’t there when someone went to get it because it had been stolen?”
Now, Warwickshire Police has called out the thefts too. The force said its officers were liaising with colleagues in Leicestershire Police about the thefts in their area.
“We completely understand the anger and concern in the community resulting from these callous thefts,” said Inspector Williams. “The units are purchased through fundraising appeals and charitable donations, it is disgraceful and inconceivable that the offenders have put their own greed before the lives of others.
“We are aware that there have also been two recent thefts of defibrillators
in Leicestershire and are liaising with colleagues in the force area. Active lines of enquiry are being pursued, and we would appeal for anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity or has any information concerning perpetrators or attempted sales of the units to come forward.”
Anyone with information about the thefts should call police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.