THE thefts of eight defibrillators across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including two from Chipping Sodbury, continue to be investigated by the police.


The defibrillators were stolen over the Christmas period and police enquiries are continuing to take place.


The units were taken from numerous sites including Pucklechurch and Frenchay and residents are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.


One defibrillator was located outside the Hobbs House Bakery, on Hatters Lane in Chipping Sodbury and was reported as missing on Tuesday, December 27.


Another was taken from its cabinet in the Chipping Sodbury Rugby Football Club car park on Wickwar Road around the same time.


Anna Herbert, from Hobbs House Bakery, said: “We bought it as we felt it was really important for Chipping Sodbury to have one.


“We located it at our main bakery and wanted it to be available for the community to use. Our staff have undergone a training course on how to use it.


“There is still no news on our missing defibrillator and we continue to appeal for any information anyone has on its whereabouts. The offer of free lardy as a reward remains.”


Both Chipping Sodbury defibrillators had been put in place within the last two months to provide immediate first aid to someone whose heart has stopped beating.


A unit was stolen from Frenchay Village Hall, which is managed by a committee of volunteers as a registered charity, which is hoped to be replaced after two donors came forward.


Elaine Stiddard, from the village hall on Beckspool Road, said: “We are hoping to get the defibrillator replaced at the beginning of February. We have had to have the cabinet repaired and made good in readiness.


“We are none the wiser as to who is doing this. All but one of the stolen defibrillators have had their cabinets broken into with one being totally decimated, requiring a new cabinet as well as a new defibrillator. As many are funded by fundraising events and donations it is totally disheartening.”


A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "We're aware of a number of reports of thefts of defibrillators in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas and we are currently looking into whether there is a link between the offences.


“This is life-saving equipment which is in place to help those in our community who need urgent medical care.


“The loss of the defibrillators could be putting lives at risk. They are unusual items which cannot be sold on easily."


Anyone with information is asked to call 101.