Life-saving device stolen from Palmers Green Station, reports James Cracknell

*Palmers Green Station and (inset) a notice left by staff on the stolen defibrillator (credit @ParryTom)*

Thieves stole a defibrillator from a railway station just six months after it was installed.

The life-saving device – used to restart people’s hearts after they have had a cardiac arrest – was reported missing from Palmers Green Station at the end of April, although it is not known exactly when it was stolen.

Duncan Primrose, station manager for rail firm Great Northern, said: “Sadly, we can confirm that the defibrillator at Palmers Green Station has been stolen. This equipment could potentially save someone’s life and the fact that it has been taken is appalling. We are working with local police on the matter.”

Palmers Green resident Tom Parry said on Twitter: “Stealing a defibrillator positioned outside a railway station to potentially save lives in emergencies is about as selfish as it gets.”

Defibrillators were installed at 238 stations by Govia Thameslink Railway (operators of the Great Northern rail franchise) in October 2021.

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