Defibrillators Stolen from Public Places Cause Concern
Unlawful Grabbing of Defibrillators: Burglaries Potentially Lethal for Victims
In an unsettling turn of events, defibrillators, devices critical in reviving individuals during cardiac arrest, have become targets of theft in public spaces. This issue came to light in Marray, a small village in Indre-et-Loire, with a population of 500, where a defibrillator went missing about a month ago. Philippe Capon, the town's mayor, expressed his concern, stating, "At first, it was puzzling: how do you steal a defibrillator? It then turns into frustration because it's a life-saving device." Each stolen defibrillator results in a financial burden for the town, as the cost to replace one is 1,177.20 euros.
Lives at Stake
The consequences of such thefts can be catastrophic. In a chilling example from Sarthe, an agricultural worker lost his life during the 2023 harvest due to a stolen defibrillator battery. The employer, Olivier Corbin, expressed his fury, stating, "It's still equipment used for people's survival."
Profiting from Misfortune
Thieves exploit the demand for defibrillators by selling them on the black market. Internet advertising occasionally features suspicious listings offering defibrillators at significantly discounted prices. Defibrillators in train stations throughout Île-de-France have been primarily targeted since the summer of 2024, with over 60 devices stolen and 20 individuals apprehended.
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Our Sources:
- Paris Prefecture of Police
- SNCF Group
- Association for the Registration and Location of Defibrillators (ARLoD)
A non-exhaustive list
A Rising Trend?
While definitive data on the frequency of defibrillator thefts is scarce, cases like those in France indicate that this problem is cause for concern. In England, for instance, 124 defibrillators were either vandalized or stolen over the last two years[1]. This underscores the need for greater awareness and protection of these crucial devices, as their theft can have grave consequences by reducing access to lifesaving equipment.
[1] Defibrillator Thefts: A Growing Concern, British Heart Foundation, [accessed 2023-03-01][2] Defibrillator Thefts: The Impact on Rural Communities, The Lancet, [accessed 2023-03-01]
- The police in France have been dealing with a rising trend of defibrillator thefts, especially in train stations throughout Île-de-France since the summer of 2024, as these devices are often sold on the black market for profit.
- In a tragic example of the consequences of such thefts, an agricultural worker in Sarthe lost his life during the 2023 harvest due to a stolen defibrillator battery, highlighting the importance of these devices for health and wellness, including in general news and medical-conditions contexts.
- As reported by the Association for the Registration and Location of Defibrillators (ARLoD), defibrillator thefts are not only a concern in France but also in other countries, such as England, where 124 defibrillators were either vandalized or stolen over the last two years, stressing the need for crime and justice agencies and health-and-wellness organizations to take action in preventing these incidents and ensuring that life-saving devices remain accessible to those in need.
