A COUNCIL chairman has slammed the “stupidity” of thieves who stole a town centre defibrillator – just months after it was first installed.

Andover Town Council’s Katherine Bird was shocked to discover that the device, located in St Mary’s churchyard, had been stolen sometime around Saturday, November 12.

Thieves smashed through the metal security box to reach the defibrillator, which cost the council nearly £1,500 in total.

The authority only installed the device in August, as part of a campaign to get more defibrillators in Andover town centre.

Councillor Bird said: “I’m very sad that somebody would even consider doing something like this.

“That couple of minutes of stupidity or someone trying to make a few pounds could potentially cost someone their life.

“I just want to say that we are going to continue doing good things in Andover. This isn’t going to put us off.”

Love Lane resident Roy Jones was also upset at the news.

The father-of-three originally started the push for more defibrillators in the town centre, after raising concerns about the lack of the life saving devices in close proximity to Andover High Street.

He said: “When I was first told about it I was really gutted.

“A lot of hard work has gone into doing something good for the community and some mindless person has come and taken that opportunity away.

“It hasn’t really got any value to anyone other than its purpose which is to save someone’s life and now it can’t do that.”

Police are currently investigating the theft. A police spokesperson said: “We were called about this at 11.40am on Saturday, November 12.

“A man walking his dog reported noticing the defibrillator at St Mary’s Church had disappeared.

“The case and fixings were also damaged.

“We would like anyone with information on what took place to call 101, quoting reference 44160427353.”