Life-saving equipment has been stolen from an ambulance service’s headquarters during a ‘targeted campaign’ of thefts against an NHS Trust.

Lifepaks – manually operated defibrillators and diagnostic machines – were snatched from three ambulances at the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb)’s HQ in The Horseshoe in Banstead on the night of Wednesday, June 21.

That same night, the same life-saving devices were also stolen from SECAmb sites in Dorking and Tongham.

The Trust had tried to repair and re-stock its vehicles, but the thefts have impacted its ability to respond to patients, a SECAmb spokesman said.

SECAmb associate director of operations, Sue Skelton, said: “The theft of this equipment puts lives at risk and each incident places even greater pressure on our already stretched resources.

“We are working closely with police on these incidents and would urge anyone with information whatsoever to come forward.”

Lifepaks were also stolen from SECAmb’s Make Ready centre in Hastings overnight on Saturday, June 24. The Trust’s premises and vehicles in Ashford, Sheppey, Herne Bay and Thanet in Kent had also been targeted earlier this year.

Ms Skelton added: “It appears that these incidents are part of a targeted campaign.”

No arrests have been made, a Surrey Police spokeswoman advised. The force is investigating.

To offer information, call Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 45170066260.