By Tara Murray
A heartless thief stole a life-saving medical device from the main street of Ballan earlier this month.
A man was seen on camera taking a defibrillator [AED] from a public access cabinet in Ballan on Wednesday, February 12.
The incident occurred about 8.30pm on Inglis Street, outside the Ballan Newsagency.
Ian Ireland was one of the people behind the decision to have the defibrillator installed in the street many years ago to provide the public with 24-7 access to it.
He was left shocked that someone would take it.
“It’s taking it away from the community that it was put there for,” he said.
“The community has used it over the years.
“It’s been there eight or nine years and some lowlight stole it on Tuesday night. They just helped themselves to it, leaving a poor community vulnerable.
“Hopefully it is not needed to save a life in the near future as it is the only device in Ballan available 24-7.”
The defib was installed in Ballan after the end of the service provided the Ballan Ambulance Auxiliary Volunteers in 2007.
The volunteers provided an ambulance service to Ballan community for 43 years prior to the full-time Ambulance Victoria branch being established.
They also raised money for the local community.
Mr Ireland said the volunteers campaigned to have leftover funds used to install a defibrillator in Ballan, instead of the money going back into the system.
The auxiliary, which does not fundraise any longer but still exists, has just celebrated its 60th birthday. Unfortunately it cannot afford to replace the defibrillator, which was uninsured.
Mr Ireland notified police about theft and police have since released an image and video of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries.
The man is seen throwing items on the ground outside the newsagency before the defibrillator was stolen.
Mr Ireland said there had been support from the community, with some offering to help replace the defibrillator.
He said it was wonderful to have others put their hands up to help, but they shouldn’t have to be in this position.
“This saves lives,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
