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Life-saving device stolen from Nanaimo soccer field

Defibrillator unit taken from Merle Logan Field earlier this week
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An automated external defibrillator went missing from Merle Logan Field earlier this week. CITY OF NANAIMO photo

City staff hope the public can help it recover an automated external defibrillator that has gone missing from one of Beban Park’s soccer fields.

City staff believe the device, which had been located at Merle Logan Field, was taken sometime earlier this week.

“AEDs are life-saving devices that have become essential assets to have in city facilities,” said Mark Demecha, city manager of civic facilities, in a press release. “It is really unfortunate someone thought it was worth it to take one as it has little to no resale value. We would like to recover the device so if anyone has information, please report it to the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.”

An AED is designed to automatically diagnose cardiac arrhythmia, which can be caused by heart attacks, electrocution and other injuries, and electrically stimulate the heart to reestablish an effective heart rhythm.

The AED taken was installed in 2014 and will cost about $2,000 to replace.

“How far does one have to fall in order to steal something that can save a life?” asked Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, in an e-mail. “It’s truly a sad statement when you see something like this. We trust this misguided individual will do the right thing and turn it in somewhere.”

Anyone with information about this theft is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or submit a tip online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.



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Chris Bush

About the Author: Chris Bush

As a photographer/reporter with the Nanaimo News Bulletin since 1998.
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