Ambulance chiefs warn taking the vehicles off the road could cost lives

Mersey Ambulance Service said its vehicles were attacked while they were parked outside people's houses and the crews were inside caring for patients.

Emergency equipment was stolen from the ambulances in the Fazakerley and Maghull areas.

The ambulances were taken off the roads after satellite navigation screens - worth about �1,000 each - were stolen.

The system helps drivers to find the quickest route to an incident.

I'd like to see anyone with information come forward to the police and shop the yobs concerned Gavin Bryce, Mersey Ambulance Service

The service says they are of no use to the thieves without the accompanying CD-Rom and processing unit.

It fears that taking the ambulances off the road also increases the risks to patients and takes more money from its tight budget.

Gavin Bryce, local manager for Mersey Ambulance Service, said: "It is extremely disappointing to have any of our equipment stolen, especially when our staff are busy saving a patient's life.

"Of equal concern is the fact that it cuts the number of ambulances we have available in the short term, and all because of equipment stolen that the thieves cannot possibly use.

"I'd like to see anyone with information come forward to the police and shop the yobs concerned."