Defibrillators thefts could amount to a stolen life

Seamus Enright & Sean McMahon

GARDAÍ have described as “dirty” the theft of three life-saving defibrillators from locations in east Cavan at the weekend, while one local councillor has appealed for their return.
“There’s no harm done if they’re left back, but right now it’s a very unsettling thing for a community that if someone took ill this evening that those defibrillators are missing. A stolen defibrillator could amount to a stolen life,” said Cllr Shane P O’Reilly (FF), following the thefts - two in Mullagh and one in Killinkere.
He is among a number to condemn the thefts of the community-funded Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Gardaí in the Bailieborough area are currently investigating the theft of the defibrillators from St Mary’s Church at Clonaphillip, from Cuchulainn’s Sports Complex in Mullagh and the Community Hall in Cross. A further theft of an AED is understood to have taken place near Drumbaragh, Kells, Co Meath with a Garda spokesperson describing the thefts as “dirty” crimes and akin to stealing life-buoys from the side of a canal.
The spokesperson added these crimes remained under active investigation and gardaí are appealing for any information that may lead to the detection of those responsible to contact them in Bailieborough on (042) 9694570.

‘Concern’
Tommy Reilly of Mullagh Tidy Towns Committee told The Celt that each defibrillator cost up to €1,500 and a further €500 for the secure box in which they are stored. The committee is one of a number of local groups who were involved in fundraising to install the life-saving equipment.
He says that the financial loss bears “no comparison” to that if a person loses their life.
The two stolen in Mullagh belonged to a set of six in the town, four of which were easily accessible 24-7, with two others located at the club changing rooms in Cross and Kilian’s Lodge Hotel, Main Street.

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