Outrage over thefts from police and paramedics in the West Midlands
Angry emergency service bosses have hit out at thieves who have stolen cars, laptops and life-saving equipment from police workers and paramedics.
Thousands of pounds worth of items have been taken from emergency service personnel, the Express & Star can reveal, after an Freedom of Information request to the 999 service operating in the Black Country.
The shocking details show what has been taken over the last four years.
The most expensive items that were taken were a £3,000 car, a £2,000 camera, and a £2,000 tablet.
Among police property that was stolen between the beginning of 2012 and the beginning of 2015, were 58 bikes, 11 satellite navigation systems, five mobile phones, two cars and a motorbike.
Also swiped were two sets of handcuffs, a safe which was taken by an employee, and a stab vest.
Police plant bikes, cars and phones in order to trap criminals on some occasions, but they didn't divulge how many of these items listed were used for that purpose, according to West Midlands Police.
Paramedics were also hit by thieves, with the expensive tablet and an oxygen tank and a fire extinguisher being just a few of the items taken from ambulances.
Nine personal bags were stolen, four satellite navigation systems, and three soft- shell jackets were among the other things taken.
West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Jamie Arrowsmith said the culprits are endangering lives, and should remember that it could be one of their own loved ones being treated that could suffer from their actions.
He said: "Stealing life-saving equipment from an emergency vehicle, especially whilst a patient is being treated is truly outrageous.
"Ambulances that have equipment stolen have to be taken off the road for repairs
which could have a life-threatening effect on patients as there will be one less vehicle to respond.
"It is clear that the people who commit such despicable crimes have no concept that it could be one of their loved ones who is affected by their actions.
"The Trust has stepped up its security arrangements; however, it is not always possible to guard against theft when dealing with an emergency situation.
"West Midlands Ambulance Service works closely with the police to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on anyone who steals emergency equipment from ambulance vehicles."
