POLICE have hit out at the ‘disgusting’ theft of a paramedic’s rucksack from his ambulance.
Officers investigating the theft have said the thief is likely to be a local who was hoping to steal medication.
They are appealing for members of the community to come forward and identify him.
The theft happened yesterday morning as the paramedic was on duty tending to a local resident.
He parked the ambulance car outside a flat in Edinburgh’s Firhill Loan, and when he returned he as shocked to discover his rucksack was missing.
No medical equipment was taken, but the paramedic was distressed to find some of his personal possessions had been stolen.
Inspector Stevie Dollan, based in Oxgangs, is in charge of the unit investigating into the case.
He described the theft as ‘disgusting,’ and said: “I think it’s worrying with us, because the paramedic was dealing with a caller nearby.
“My officers are working on the basis that he probably thought he was stealing a bag containing medication.”
Sickened
Police are looking for a man seen rifling through the stolen rucksack shortly after the theft.
He is described as white, between 18 and 25-years-old and wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes.
After making off with the rucksack the thief dumped some of the possessions at the nearby St Mark’s Primary School.
Officers are now checking CCTV records, and are using the recovered items to carry our forensic checks.
Insp Dollan continued: “There is quite a strong community in that area, I would ask members of that community to come forward.
“They will have been sickened by the theft.”
“I think it’s likely that the person has told a friend
“We’re working on the basis that it’s someone who is local.”
He also said the paramedic was ‘disappointed’ after the incident, which happened between 7.40am and 8am on Thursday.
Insp Dollan said: “He’s obviously concerned by it as well, the vehicle was obviously an ambulance.
“I think he’s more disappointed that it has happened than anything else.”
A police spokesman said: “No medical equipment or documentation was taken during this theft. However, the paramedic is understandably distressed at the loss of his personal possessions.
“Anyone who was in or around Firhill Loan yesterday morning and saw anything suspicious is asked to contact police immediately.
“Similarly, anyone who saw the man seen rummaging through the rucksack and can help identify him is also asked to come forward.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
