Vandals in Penrith have put a potentially life-saving defibrillator out of action.
Police were called at around 10.30am yesterday, January 25, to the report of criminal damage to a defibrillator at Sandgate, Penrith.
Damage had been caused to the cabinet of the defibrillator.
Penrith and District Community First Responders posted on social media: “Over the weekend unfortunately a cabinet that contains a defibrillator has been vandalised in Sandgate, Penrith.
“This is totally unacceptable – a defib is a piece of life saving equipment used for patients in cardiac arrest.
“Fortunately the defib itself wasn’t present due to maintenance work. However, as it stands, it can not return to this cabinet until it is secure.
“In order for this to be available in the event of a cardiac arrest we will need to replace the cabinet, which will cost us in excess of £500.
“Unfortunately we are unable to replace it without fundraising which takes time. This is incredibly disheartening.”
Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 64 of 25th January 2021.
They can also phone 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
