Moment ‘mindless’ thugs damage life-saving defibrillator at Redditch shopping centre

This is the moment 'mindless' thugs damaged a life-saving piece of equipment at a popular shopping centre. Youths were caught on camera gathering around a defibrillator at the Matchborough Centre in Redditch [1] on the evening of Sunday, October 29. A group was seen gathering around the device, damaging it and then fleeing the scene with six other young people who were gathered nearby.

West Mercia Police released footage of the incident and appealed for witnesses to come forward. Three or four of the group were seen by the defibrillator when the damage was caused. One was dressed in a light grey tracksuit with white trainers and a cross body bag.

The others were dressed in darker clothing. West Mercia Police [3] said: "We would like to speak to these people to help with our enquiries into damage caused to the defibrillator box which is located in the Matchborough Centre in Redditch. The damage was caused in the evening of October 29."

A group of youths are caught on camera gathering around a defibrillator at the Matchborough Centre in Redditch which was subsequently found to be damaged

Pc Clarke, who is investigating the damage, said: "I appreciate the CCTV footage doesn't give a clear view of these individuals, but perhaps you recognise the clothing or maybe the mannerisms of them.

The mindless damage to the defibrillator is of real concern to the local community as it was put in place to help save people's lives.

If you can provide any information as to who any of these people are please contact me."

The group are seen running up steps at Reddicth's Matchborough Centre fleeing from the scene

Anyone with any information can contact Pc Clarke by email: [email protected] or by calling 101 using extension 7733047.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/[4][5]

References

^ Redditch (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^ Tragedy as Corsa driver dies after 'head-on crash' with Land Rover (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^ West Mercia Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^ [email protected] (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^ https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ (crimestoppers-uk.org)