VANDALS have tried to break into a life-saving device installed in a Rawtenstall high street.

The coded box containing a Community Public Access defibrillator, sited outside Mulderiggs, in Bank Street, has been targeted three times by vandals.

The device, known as a cPad, was fitted in February and was bought with £2,000 donated by residents.

It gives heart attack victims a greater chance of survival.

It can only be used on people whose heart has stopped, and cannot be resold without official medical certificates. It can be accessed in an emergency by calling 999 to get the key code.

Dawn Taylor, co-ordinator of the Defibs for Rossendale Scheme, said: “Another attempt was made recently to break into the unit installed in Bank Street.

“The perpetrator may have been trying to steal the vital life-saving equipment.

The sturdy steel box which houses the unit was damaged, but the lock held.

“It should be noted that it is quite useless trying to steal the defibrillator as they can not be resold, nor will they deliver a shock to anyone who is not in cardiac arrest.

“Anyone caught stealing one could be charged with preventing life-saving efforts under the Manslaughter Act.”

The Rossendale Community First Responders hope to install the devices in every town in the borough.

This week a new device was installed at Real, in St James Square, Bacup, and next week another device will be installed at Haslingden Library.

Locations are also being sought for devices in Waterfoot, Whitworth, and a second unit in Rawtenstall.

Anyone who would like to help raise funds, or learn to use the device, should call Dawn on 07812 303856.