Thieves are putting hundreds of lives at risk by stealing public defibrillators across Kent.

New figures reveal officers have seen a sharp increase in criminals targeting the life-saving devices, which provide immediate first aid to heart attack victims.

Fourteen were stolen in the county in 2017 compared to just three in 2015.

Three defibrillators were stolen in Medway in 2017, three in Maidstone, two in Ashford and Dover and one each in Canterbury, Swale, Thanet and Tonbridge and Malling.

Defibrillators can cost up to £3,000 and are normally paid for by charities or local fundraising groups.

VIDEO: Defibrillator thefts increase dramatically in Kent

It is believed thieves pinch the units to strip them down and sell them for spares.