AN AMBULANCE chief has hit out at the thief who put patients at risk by stealing equipment in Dorchester.

Mick Barnes, of Dorset Ambulance Service, said he was shocked someone had broken into an ambulance and taken a sat-nav system.

He said: "The cost to us is well in excess of £1,000 and we have to take the vehicle off the road to put it right.

"This wasn't even standard equipment and I don't think it would be usable in any other vehicle. This was state-of-the-art equipment and needs other items to work with our control system."

Mr Barnes, operations locality manager for the west of the county, urged the thief to search his conscience and return the sat-nav, anonymously if necessary.

He said: "We have to get that ambulance back on the road as soon as possible and as it's a high priority we have to put another one in. But if the stolen one is returned then it could be used for another ambulance.

"I suppose in this day and age nothing surprises you, but how can anyone stoop this low?"

The vehicle was parked at the ambulance station in Lubbecke Way when the thief smashed a window.

Mr Barnes said: "This means we will also have to review our security and CCTV."

Inspector Les Fry of Dorchester Police is urging anyone with information about the theft to contact the police.

He said: "This was a despicable crime. It means the ambulance is not available to respond and that could put lives at risk. This is a serious crime and anyone with suspicions about being offered a sat-nav system should call Dorset Police."

Call police on 01305 222222.