Defib theft probes in Runcorn
The two incidents happened four days and less than two miles apart in the eastern part of the town.
File picture of a defibrillator and cabinet. (Reach PLC)
Investigators are "keeping an open mind" over whether the thefts of two defibrillators in Runcorn are linked.
A Cheshire police spokesman said the first incident was reported at 4pm on Saturday, January 22, and involved one of the life-saving cardiac-shock devices being stolen from Preston Brook Village Hall on Sandy Lane in Preston Brook.
The second was reported at around 11pm on Wednesday, January 26, at a property on Lockgate West in Windmill Hill.
Defibrillators are life-saving devices that deliver an electric shock to someone in cardiac arrest to restart their heart.
They can cost around £1,000 each not including accessories such as cabinets and are often placed in public places for ease of access in case of emergency.
The police spokesman said: "Enquiries in relation to the thefts are ongoing and at this stage officers are keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked."
Anyone with any information in relation to the thefts or has been offered one for sale should call Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 1183608 for Preston Brook and for Windmill Hill.
Read more news from Runcorn, Cheshire, here.
