Vital life-saving equipment 'stolen by men in balaclavas' from car overnight

Volunteer first responders in a Stockport village say they are facing a 'nightmare' after a vital piece of life-saving kit is thought to have been stolen from the local community.

In the early hours of Thursday morning (November 7) at around 5am, it's believed that two individuals wearing balaclavas are thought to have broken into the Romiley area, around Roundcroft Road..

One of the cars believed to have been targeted belonged to a volunteer first responder in Stockport and a 'critical' piece of equipment was amongst the items reported to have been stolen.

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The defibrillator, used to provide an electric charge to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat when someone is suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, is estimated to be worth around £3,000. Its theft has taken countless hours of vital time taken away from the most vulnerable members of the Stockport community.

Matt, one of the volunteers for the Romiley & Marple Community First Responders, told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s a critical piece of kit and without it, it takes a responder off the road. In times like this, when winter is approaching, we are getting busier and busier. Sometimes we will respond to a cardiac arrest once a day."

The volunteer said that the team of volunteers were 'really saddened' by the reported theft, and hoped that anyone in the area could help them locate the piece of kit so they can continue to look out for members of the community.

He added: “Those responsible for this incident probably do not realise the seriousness of the issue. With this gone, someone's life could be at stake."

The community group shared the news of the reported crime on social media, and said they have since been inundated with messages of support and offers to help them get back on their feet.

“The response by the community is amazing," Matt explained. "Our Facebook post has had loads of shares already and people are very concerned about this. It's great that they are supporting us."” To help continue your support, follow the ‘Romiley & Marple community

Any member of the public that may have information regarding this incident has been urged to come forward and contact the police on 111 to help with the ongoing investigation.

Greater Manchester Police have been approached by the M.E.N for further information on the incident.