Appeal for information relating to defibrillator thefts

Warwickshire Police has received three reports of defibrillator thefts in North Warwickshire over the past month.

• On 9 March a defibrillator was stolen from the Co-op, School Road, Bulkington at 5.20am. CCTV footage shows an unknown male forcing the unit from the wall and making off on foot.  Unfortunately, the suspect cannot be identified from the imagery captured. (Incident 40 of 9 March refers).
• On 26 March the Co-Op store in Cooperbeech Road, Camp Hill, Nuneaton was targeted.  The defibrillator was stolen at an unknown time and no CCTV was available.  (Incident 87 of 26 March refers).
• On 30 March the defibrillator at Horeston Grange Church in Nuneaton was reported as stolen.  Unknown persons gained entry to the church by prizing open the door sometime between 12.01am on 25 March and 11.50pm on 30 March.  (Incident 169 of 30 March refers).

Inspector Dave Williams, Nuneaton and Bedworth Safer Neighbourhood Team said, “We completely understand the anger and concern in the community resulting from these callous thefts.

“The units are purchased through fund raising 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.”

Reports can be made by calling Warwickshire Police on 101 and quoting the incident numbers shown above.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.