More lifesaving equipment stolen from Bonhill Bridge, as thieves branded "mindless"

Police have launched an appeal after further lifesaving equipment was stolen from a bridge in Bonhill.

Thieves struck at Bonhill Bridge over the weekend, removing life rings and throwing them in the water.

Lifesaving equipment was previously stolen from the bridge in December, with rings also stolen from bridges in Dumbarton and elsewhere in Alexandria.

Appealing for information Sgt Gillian Gall from the Community Engagement team at Dumbarton said: "The theft of life rings places people’s lives in danger. It has been reported to Police Scotland that further life rings have been removed from Bonhill Bridge over the weekend and enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.

“If you have information about the theft of life rings from Bonhill Bridge please contact Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie also urged anyone with information to come forward, as she slammed the thefts as despicable.

Jackie said: “This is absolutely disgraceful that police are having to dedicate time to catching the culprits who have stolen these.

“I cannot understand the mentality of someone who would deliberately take lifesaving equipment and, in turn, endanger the safety of other local people.

“We all know of the tragedies which have happened on Loch Lomond and the River Leven in recent years leaving families devastated.

“Had such equipment been readily available, the loss of life could have potentially been avoided.

“I urge anyone who knows anything about this despicable and mindless offence to contact the police immediately.”

Lifesaving equipment was stolen from the Stuckie Bridge as well as others throughout Dumbarton and the Vale. (Lennox Herald)

The Lennox Herald recently reported how, in December, thieves struck at Bonhill Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge and Stuckie Bridge, shortly after they had been installed by West Dunbartonshire Council.

A council spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that further lifesaving equipment has been stolen in our area.

"These buoys can save lives in an emergency situation and their removal could have devastating consequences for anyone who gets into difficulty in the water.

"We want to again stress the importance of protecting this equipment for our communities, and urge anyone who has any information on this crime to contact Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."