Elgin Baptist Church 'won't be defeated' as Keiran Legacy-donated defibrillator is stolen for second time

AN ELGIN church has vowed not to be 'defeated' by vandals after having its defibrillator stolen for the second time.

Elgin Baptist Church, on the corner of Reidhaven Street, had the life-saving equipment stolen earlier this week.

The defibrillator was later discovered in the garden of a property further down the street, where it is believed it was discarded by the vandals – who police are still seeking to identify.

The defib was installed by charity Keiran's Legacy, which was set up by the parents of Moray boy Keiran McKandie after his tragic death in 2016.

However, it has now twice been stolen, church pastor Graham Swanson said.

MORE: Police appeal after defibrillator stolen from church.

"This is the second time this has happened to us," he explained. "I got a phone call on Wednesday morning from someone telling me they saw the empty packet in the middle of Reidhaven Street.

"People get up to mischief, but what are you going to do with a defibrillator? It's a little bit annoying because it's something that is there for public.

"The defibrillator was found tossed into a local garden so we have got it back, but it needs to be checked out.

"We are not going to be defeated but Gordon from Keiran's Legacy has suggested a lock on the door.

"We always avoided a lock because we want people to be able to access it as quickly as possible in an emergency.

"But this has happened twice and there is nothing to say it won't happen again."

The defibrillator was installed by Elgin Baptist Church as part of their annual freewill offering for a local charity and has been in place for a few years.

Police continue to seek the culprits and an appeal is ongoing.

PC Karra Laing of Police Scotland said: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time or has any information regarding the theft to contact Police Scotland."

Police Scotland can be called on 101. Quote crime report number CR/0316854/23.