Concern as life-saving defibrillator is stolen from outside Perthshire store

A defibrillator that was vital for saving lives was stolen from outside a store in Perthshire, causing concern among local authorities and residents. The incident took place outside the SPAR store on Percy Street in Stanley, with the theft believed to have occurred at 1:30 am on a Sunday in late October. The defibrillator was discovered abandoned in a plastic bag in Perth on November 11, missing its battery, with an estimated cost of £360 for replacement and repairs.

PKC councillors from Strathtay expressed their dismay at the theft, highlighting the critical role defibrillators play in emergency situations where every second counts. Conservative councillor Ian James, who has personal experience with heart attacks, emphasised the importance of defibrillators as life-saving devices and called for the perpetrators to be apprehended to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. Lib Dem councillor Claire McLaren echoed these sentiments, underlining the community effort involved in acquiring defibrillators and the essential role they play in rural areas.

Grant Laing, SNP councillor and leader of PKC, emphasised the significance of publicly accessible defibrillators in saving lives and urged anyone with information to assist the police investigation. SPAR Scotland’s company-owned stores director, Frank McCarron, expressed disappointment over the incident and its impact on the local community, encouraging individuals with information to come forward. Initially, the theft was not reported to the police as it was thought the defibrillator might have been taken for a medical emergency, but it was later found abandoned in Bertha Park.

Police are seeking two male suspects in connection with the theft, described as tall individuals with dark hair wearing dark clothing. They were last seen getting into a black disabled-access taxi, prompting a plea for the taxi driver to contact authorities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police at 101, quoting the reference number CR/436904/24, or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.

In summary, the theft of a crucial defibrillator from a Perthshire store has raised concerns among local councillors and residents about the potential consequences in life-threatening situations. The community effort involved in acquiring such life-saving devices and the importance of their presence, especially in rural areas, have been emphasised by officials. Authorities are actively seeking information to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the theft to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.