Thieves put Comrie volunteers at risk

Apr 23 2010 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

THE action of a thoughtless thief has put lives at risk in a Strathearn village.

Comrie’s First Response vehicle has had its flashing amber lamp ripped from its moorings and, although the vehicle can still be used, until it is replaced responders and those they are called out to will be vulnerable.

First Response director Alan Moffat is furious that the beacon has been taken. He told the Herald: “This is a despicable act of senseless vandalism which could potentially put volunteers lives at risk as well as the people we are called out to.

“When responding to a collapse in the street, for example, the beacon alerts motorists we are there. The light is also the first thing that Scottish ambulance crews look for when called out to a scene where the unit is already present.”

The theft has also made an unexpected hole in the charity’s coffers.

All the connecting wires have been damaged and it is estimated that it will cost around £500 to replace the lamp.

Mr Moffat added: “We are a charity, everything is very tightly balanced. The community of Comrie originally purchased the beacon for us when we first started and we will now have to pay for its replacement from funds set aside for the lease of the vehicle.”

Community councillor Gillian Brock is disgusted by the theft. She raged: “This is an extremely important resource for the community and it’s vital that we get the vehicle back on the road at its full capacity as soon as possible.

“I think it’s disgraceful that someone could do this. It’s blatantly obvious that this is a medical vehicle and if it’s vandalised lives could certainly be put at risk.”