Vandalism of life-saving equipment condemned
Last updated | 22/04/2008
Life-saving equipment situated alongside the River Tay in Perth was vandalised over the weekend.
Community Safety Convener, Councillor Willie Robertson, condemned the vandals and said their actions had put lives at risk.
During a routine inspection by Council staff on Sunday (13 April) it was discovered that all four lifebelt stations on the North Inch had been damaged, with contents either missing from units or scattered along the riverbank.
Councillor Robertson said the vandalism could have had tragic consequences.
“The North Inch was very busy on Sunday - lots of people were out enjoying themselves. If there had been an accident, for example if someone had slipped and fallen into the river, there would have been no lifesaving equipment available for bystanders to help them,” he said.
“This kind of vandalism is not only mindless, it is putting people’s lives at risk. I would urge people not to tamper with these life belts as they have been put there to save lives. The people who did this have to realise their actions could have had very serious consequences indeed."
“The water of the Tay can often be treacherous and that’s why we have installed this life-saving equipment. I hope people will respect the lifebelt stations and leave them in place unless an emergency arises.
“If anyone sees vandals tampering with the equipment I would urge them to contact the police immediately.”
