Thieves putting lives at risk by taking life rings
Warning as pranksters steal vital equipment on riverbank
Mindless thugs are endangering people’s lives by stealing life rings and other vital pieces of safety equipment from the banks of the River Medway in Maidstone.
Since April last year more than 200 items of safety equipment, including lifebuoys and ropes have been stolen, moved from their proper location or thrown into the water.
As well as the obvious safety implications, the thefts have cost taxpayers more than £7,000 as Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has been forced to replace the devices.
In 2015, the equipment was used in at least five rescues from the River Medway, including that of a prisoner who plunged into the river after escaping from custody at Maidstone Crown Court.
In December 2014, tragic Pat Lamb fell into the river at Maidstone and his body was later discovered at Cuxton Marina.
Kieron Knowlden also died after falling into the River Medway in 2014, while several others have fallen in and survived.
Cllr Marion Ring, chairman of the council’s communities, housing and environment com- mittee, has a stark warning for the thieves and pranksters.
She said: “Some people seem to think these are toys or that it’s a game to mess about with them.
“They don’t seem to realise that these are essential pieces of life- saving equipment and it’s absolutely vital they are available if someone’s life is in danger.
“Staff regularly check the equipment and replace missing items as quickly as possible but any period of time – how ever short – when they are not present poses a danger.
“Anyone who removes items is committing a criminal offence and I would urge them to recognise the potentially serious consequences of their actions.”