Mindless and callous vandals have damaged six South East Coast Ambulances as ambulance trusts up-and-down the country struggle to keep up with demand during the COVID-19 crises.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) covers Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
The incident happened in Kent over the weekend.
It meant that the six vehicles had to be taken out of services while they were repaired, severely hampering the effectiveness of the emergency service.
Ambulance crews arrived at work at a vehicle preparation centre in Ramsgate to find holes had been drilled in the tyres of six ambulances.
One paramedic posted on Facebook:
“Just when you thought this country couldn’t get any worse, someone comes along and drills holes in our ambulance tyres. So we’re now all off the road.”
A spokesperson for the service said:
“Six of our ambulances were deliberately damaged overnight in Kent.
“Beyond disappointed that anyone would do this ever, let alone now when our staff are under so much pressure.
“Well done to Fleet & Make Ready teams for getting these back on the road asap.
“And this is in such contrast to the vast majority of the public who are being fantastically supportive of our staff.”
Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, tweeted:
“6 ambulances had their tyres punctured last night.
“I know MPs are supposed to be polite etc but whoever did this is an utter scroat.
“Just what goes through the mind of someone who does this, nevermind during a pandemic?
“Thanks to the team for getting them back on the road ASAP”
Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/52297/20
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Ambulance vehicles need to be secured inside bs1722pt12 fenced buildings to protect them, probably with a military armed guard. Addicts unable to source will probably start targeting crews on duty too, false calls etc, again armed military protection will be key in some areas, the police don’t have the capacity.
The law needs to toughen up regarding idiots who think it’s ok to vandalise and damage ambulances, the inconvenience has a knock on effect, much needed emergency vehicles off the street, the cost of repairs and the people who suffer as there are no ambulances available.
The emergency services are going through so so much at this time they don’t need this added stress.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to ALL our front line emergency services who are doing a very hard and stressful time just now also putting their well being and health and that of their families on the line to help us