Thieves have stolen a community defibrillator from outside the home of a charity founder.
The life-saving machine was taken overnight on Monday and organisers of Whittlesey’s Defibrillators for All charity are appealing for its return.
The charity has raised more than £25,000 to provide 19 defibrillators at shops and outside houses across the town.
Charity founder Deborah Slator said the stolen machine has left a gap in the life-saving coverage.
She said: “It was one that belongs to my training business but I kept it outside my house (in Drybread Road) so it could benefit anyone in need.
“I noticed it was missing at about 2.35pm on Tuesday. It must have been taken some time on Monday night.
“We have worked hard to ensure there are plenty of defibrillators in the town. They are simple to operate and can save lives.
“I have been into schools this week talking in assemblies about them and how they are used. We are now fundraising to provide defibrillators in our schools.
“Whether the people who stole this one wanted it for their own use or whether they were hoping to sell it I don’t know.
“I have shared the information about the defibrillator on Facebook giving its serial number. My post has been shared by lots of different groups so there are thousands of people who know it has been stolen.
“The sad thing is that if someone needed one they only had to ask. We will lend one out to anyone who needs it.
“I would appeal to whoever stole it to ‘have a heart’ and simply return it or leave it somewhere it can be found. If it is not returned then I hope it ends up somewhere where it can be of service to a community.”
As a result of the theft the charity is now protecting the town’s other defibrillators with a forensic marking system.
The theft has been reported to police – contact 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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