The theft of a life-saving defibrillator from outside a Perthshire shop has been branded disturbing by PKC councillors.
The Strathtay councillors emphasised that the use of apparatus is often a case of life or death and expressed the wish that those responsible will be caught.
The defibrillator is thought to have been stolen outside Stanley’s Spar store at 1.30am on Sunday, October 27 and cops are hunting for two male suspects.
It had been taken from its housing outside the Percy Street store.
On November 11, it was found discarded in a carrier bag in Perth with its battery missing. The cost of replacement and repairs is estimated at £360.
Strathtay Conservative councillor Ian James expressed astonishment that anyone would steal or interfere with a defibrillator.
He said: “As someone who has suffered four heart attacks I know how important defibrillators are.
“They are lifesavers. On one occasion a defibrillator saved my life. Seconds matter when someone has a heart attack.
“I hope the police find those responsible. It’s vital that this doesn’t happen again.”
And Lib Dem colleague Claire McLaren described the theft disturbing for the Stanley community.
She added: “These are costly items, usually bought through funds raised by the dedication and hard work of community volunteers.
“Luckily the necessary batteries have been replaced via a Council Community Resilience fund with no cost to community funds.
“Defibrillators can be a vital element of survival in emergencies, particularly in more rural locations. It is hoped the police’s enquiries prove fruitful.’’
And Strathtay SNP councillor and PKC leader Grant Laing said: “Publicly available defibrillators like this one can literally mean the difference between life and death.
“It is hugely disappointing that someone has thoughtlessly stolen, damaged and discarded the defibrillator, and I urge anyone who has any information which could support the police investigation to get in touch with them.”
SPAR Scotland company owned stores director Frank McCarron said: “We are deeply disappointed by this incident and the impact it has had on the Stanley community.
“At SPAR Scotland, the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority. We encourage anyone with information to come forward. “
The theft had not been reported to police initially as it was thought the defibrillator could have been taken for proper use in a medical incident.
However, it was found discarded in a carrier bag in the Bertha Park area of Perth.
Police are looking to trace two men in connection with the theft.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers would like to trace two men who were seen removing the defibrillator from its cabinet.
“The first is described as tall with dark hair, wearing a dark jacket and dark jacket.
The second is also described as tall with dark hair, wearing a dark shirt open over a lighter undershirt and dark bottoms.
“They were seen to get into a black disabled-access taxi which then drove off. We would like to appeal to this taxi driver to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting the reference number CR/436904/24. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.