Life-saving defibrillator stolen and vandalised in Shropshire village
A life-saving defibrillator that has only been in place a for few weeks in Whittington has been vandalised.
The defibrillator was taken from its cabinet on the side of the Senior Citizen's Hall at the weekend.
Although the machine was found in the grounds of Whittington Castle on the other side of the village, its protective case is still missing.
Police are investigating.
Jill Whitby, chairman of Whittington Parish Council, said: “I cannot put into words how angry and upset this makes me.
"This expensive equipment is there to save lives and the culprits who took it have shown a complete lack of respect.
"We have only had the equipment for a couple of months, and now it is out of action until it can be checked over and the cabinet made secure. This could potentially endanger someone’s life.”
Disposed
It is thought that the defibrillator was taken in the early hours of Sunday from outside the hall in Station Road.
"It was disposed of of in the castle grounds," Councillor Whitby said.
"The defibrillator is now back in the council’s possession, but the protective case has still not been located and it was evident that an attempt had been made to use the pads as there were visible traces of duck feather on them."
Police say that if anyone has any information to assist the police in their investigations or has details on where the missing case may be, they should ring police on 101 quoting crime reference number 22/82296/18 or call the Parish Council on 01691 829571.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
