Vandals who stole a defibrillator and vandalised the cabinet housing it in Cookstown have been slammed by police as ‘idiots.’
The vital life saving equipment was removed from the Fairhill playing fields.
Police say they are currently reviewing CCTV in a bid to catch those responsible.
“Yet again our community is going to suffer because of mindless, selfish idiots who have decided to steal vital life saving equipment from the Fairhill playpark and playing fields.
“To make matters worse, not only have they stolen a defibrillator but they have destroyed the cabinet that houses it.
“We are currently reviewing CCTV that has only recently been installed in the area. So our advice to the culprit – don’t continue with this silly behaviour, come and talk to us before we come to get you,” said a police spokesperson.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Trevor Wilson has expressed his disgust at the incident.
“I have no idea what kind of mindset thinks it is a good idea to steal a defibrillator, but that is unfortunately what has happened.
“These machines are installed for a reason and are a vital community resource, but that is of course lost on the people responsible, who better hope that neither they nor their family ever need the use of one.
“I am absolutely disgusted at this mindless act of vandalism and I urge anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact the police at once,” he added.
The police spokesperson said: “If you know who it was please let us know by phoning 101 and quoting serial 525 28/01/19 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111, or encourage them to return it so that it can put back in case it should it be needed.
“Just think how you would feel if someone died because of your greed.”