Video captures moment brazen thief steals paramedics’ belongings as they treat a patient

A video showing a man smashing the window of an ambulance in broad daylight has been released by London Ambulance Service.

The locked ambulance was parked in Sandridge Close, Harrow, while the crew were treating a patient inside their home at around 5pm on 6 May.

The thief had previously walked round the ambulance checking the doors before throwing a missile at the window and smashing through it.

The thief is seen jumping head first into the cab of the ambulance and grabs two rucksacks – the personal belongings of the ambulance crew – before running off.

London Ambulance Service has released the footage in the hope someone will recognise the thief so they can be brought to justice.

Acting Chief Executive Dr Fenella Wrigley said: “Our ambulance crew were responding to an emergency and, while helping their patient, a thief has stolen their bags and damaged an ambulance.

“To deliberately target our crew in this way is appalling and they are understandably extremely upset.

“The damage caused to the ambulance means it is now off the road being repaired, unable to respond to patients. The money to repair the damage would be better spent on caring for our patients.

“We will not tolerate attacks on our staff or our vehicles and would urge the public to contact the police if they have any information.”

London Ambulance Service has fitted ambulances and response cars with a crew safety system which includes CCTV (which is how this video was captured), panic buttons and electronic tracking.

The Service has a dedicated Violence Reduction Unit which encourages colleagues to report all incidents of abuse while also supporting them through the court process.

London Ambulance Service has joined ambulance services across the country to launch a “Work Without Fear” campaign to promote a no-violence culture and keep crews and call handlers safe.

Dr Wrigley added: “If anyone is violent towards our crews or vandalises our vehicles, they will be caught on our CCTV cameras. We share evidence with the police and we work with the police and the courts to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We are currently investigating a theft from ambulance, that took place in Sandridge Close, HA1 on Tuesday, 6 May. We encourage anyone who has information to come forward to police.

“You can report information by dialling 101 stating 5709/06MAY or alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.”