VITAL lifesaving defibrillators have been tampered with in South Tawton, the parish council has said.

Batteries have been removed from some defibrillators and others have been moved.

The issues were discovered during regular checks on the equipment – used to restart the heart in cases of heart attacks – carried out by volunteers.

‘This could cost precious time in the event that the defibrillator is needed,’ said parish clerk Rebecca Walker.

She urged people not to touch any of the defibrillators and instead to report any problems to her at [email protected]

James Stevens, a trustee of Okehampton PADs (Public Access Defibrillators), currently installing similar equipment in Okehampton, said: ‘It is disappointing that this has happened.

‘I think generally though, across the country, instances of vandalism and theft of defibrillators is actually quite low because most people are sensible and understand that defibrillators are lifesaving equipment.

‘Part of our charity aim is not just to install defibrillators but also to provide training. Perhaps as defibrillators become more commonplace we will see fewer cases of this happening.’