Appeal for information after attempted ambulance break-in

WOULD-be thieves tried to break into an emergency ambulance as paramedics treated a patient at a nearby property.

The Welsh Ambulance Service crew were at a medical emergency on Rhiw Melin in Cwmbran, Torfaen, yesterday (Wednesday 15 November) when someone tried to break into the vehicle which was parked outside between 9.30am-12.30pm.

While nothing was taken, it will cost roughly £1,000 to repair damage to the driver’s side door and near side locker door.

The Trust is appealing to the public for information.


Darren Panniers, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Emergency Medical Service in south Wales, said: “While our crew was seeing to a very unwell patient, someone or some people were outside trying to break into their vehicle.

“Attempted theft from any vehicle is wrong, but attempted theft from an emergency ambulance is just plain irresponsible.

“If they’d have stolen the vehicle itself, it would have meant a delay in getting the patient to hospital, and that could have been catastrophic.

“While thankfully nothing was taken, the vehicle needs to come off the road for repairs, and that’s one less crew available to respond to 999 calls in the community.

“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact the police.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information can call Gwent Police on 101 quoting reference 2300389293.

Alternatively, you can send Gwent Police a direct message on Facebook or Twitter or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.