Vandals who damaged a second defibrillator in Annan have been slammed for putting lives at risk.
Hardip Atwal has been left furious after the life-saving piece of equipment was smashed outside his family shop in Springbells Road in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
Mr Atwal said: “This is disgusting. It’s absolutely appalling.
“Me and my brother came in to open up the shop on New Year’s Day and this was the first thing we came across. It would spoil anybody’s mood for the rest of the day.
“I’ve honestly never been so disgusted in my life. The people that have done this know fine well what it’s used for. I just hope their families never need to rely on it and it’s out of order. It’s putting people’s lives at risk by doing something as disgusting as this.”
It is the second defibrillator which has been damaged in the town in as many weeks after another was vandalised at the Station Hotel on December 18.
A group of young people were spotted on the shop’s CCTV approaching the box before one of the group punches the box the device is kept in.
Mr Atwal added: “It’s actually John Steel I feel for the most. He’s put so much effort into getting these put up across Annan.
“We have got the culprits on CCTV but we don’t recognise any of them. They shouldn’t even be out socialising. A lot of people like myself haven’t been able to see friends for months and then you’ve got these people gathering in groups and doing this. It’s just awful.”
Local resident Mr Steel led the campaign for the devices being installed throughout the town.
A police spokesman said: “Defibrillator boxes were damaged and in our rural communities these machines could save someone’s life.
“Did you see anything or witness any persons damaging them?
“If so, we are keen to hear from you on 101.”
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