Anger as Shropshire thieves target defibrillator box
Thieves broke into a defibrillator box in Shropshire and stole the mobile phone inside – causing hundreds of pounds of damage.
The theft means first responders using the potentially life-saving piece of equipment in Craven Arms could face delays contacting emergency services when victims are in urgent need of treatment.
The defibrillator, stored in a metal box outside Cyril Bason poultry suppliers in Corvedale Road, was broken into on Friday night.
It was bought three years ago after members of Craven Arms Town Council agreed to hand over more than £1,000.
David Evans, who works at Cyril Bason, has appealed for the thief to return the phone, which he said could make the difference between life and death.
He said: "The door was forced open and they took the mobile phone. That phone is used by our first responders so the ambulance service can get in touch with them.
"The box itself cost £900 and will need to be repaired. The defibrillator can be very dangerous if it's in the wrong hands. It can give an electric shock which could stop your heart, so that's why it needs to be kept locked safely in the box.
"If someone needs it then the ambulance service will give them the code."
Mr Evans said someone has been out to carry out a temporary repair on the box and to measure it for a new door.
"I just thought 'how pathetic' when I saw what had happened," he said.
"Who would break into a defibrillator and steal a mobile phone they wouldn't be able to use anyway?
"I'd like the person who took it to return it. They can push it through the shop door, no questions asked. We just want it back."
Other defibrillators in the town are based at the fire station and the doctors' surgery.
