The Welsh Ambulance Service has confirmed that an Emergency Ambulance was stolen from the Shotton area of Flintshire last night, whilst the crew were treating a patient at their home address.
The Trust were able to dispatch another vehicle without delay to assist the crew and North Wales Police immediately alerted their own teams who later found the ambulance abandoned.
Bob Tooby, Assistant Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The theft of an emergency ambulance is an extremely irresponsible act placing patients and the public at risk. Had the crew needed to access additional emergency equipment from the vehicle, or to urgently convey the patient to hospital, this act could have led to very serious harm.
“North Wales Police are now leading enquiries to identify the offenders and we would encourage members of the public to come forward with any information regarding the theft. North Wales Police have dispatched their crime scene examiners who will forensically examine the vehicle.
“Our services have been extremely busy dealing with winter pressures, alongside the challenges of the pandemic. We will be supporting our North Wales Police colleagues to find the person responsible, and bring them to justice. This is a very rare occurrence but is being treated incredibly seriously.”
a spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “On Saturday 14th November 2020 at 2200 hours a Welsh Ambulance service vehicle was stolen from Green Lane in Deeside. The Ambulance was located a short time after in Dee View Crescent abandoned with damage caused.
“As a result this has left the Ambulance service with one less emergency resource and ultimately putting people’s lives in danger.
“North Wales Police are appealing to the public for any information with regards to who is responsible. Any one that has information police contact police on 101 or via the webchat service quoting the reference number Y167716.”
