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A paramedic returned to his ambulance after treating a patient to find that his personal belongings had been stolen from the vehicle.

Karl Williams, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said that “disappointed and slightly angry” didn’t even begin to cover his feelings.

The clinical team member has drawn an angry reaction since revealing the theft on his Twitter account yesterday morning (Friday)

He wrote: “The last thing I expect to find when I return to my Ambulance after treating an individual, is to find my personal belonging have been stolen from my Ambulance. Disappointed and slightly angry doesn’t even cover it.”

The paramedic, who is based in Coventry, also promised that the thief would be caught.

Jeanette summed up the thoughts of many who replied, writing: “I think this is disgusting. They may need your help one day. Hope they get caught and are severely punished.”

Others asked if the ambulance had been fitted with cameras, which have helped catch and convict others who have targeted emergency crews.

Fellow paramedic Matt Harrison related a similar experience in his reply to the tweet.

He wrote: “The guy who did the exact same thing to me got caught. He was identified by a local neighbour Bobby from the ambulance CCTV but nothing was done. My belongings were never recovered. I got off lightly. He was already on remand for mugging & stealing from an old lady.”

Adam Alcock also told how thieves had stolen from his ambulance, taking potentially life-saving equipment, while he was on duty in Hanley.

Adam wrote: “Walked back to the truck with my crew mate and ops manager to find the side window on the sliding door smashed with a vodka bottle. They took 2 personal kit bags. Bls bag, als bag. Entonox and tried to get into the safe.”

Nigel Perrigo was among many who viewed the latest incident as a sign of the times.

He wrote: “Very sad. There is no respect for emergency workers any more people really need to take a long hard look at themselves.”

In October 2018, West Midlands Ambulance launched an appeal after a thief broke into an ambulance to steal the paramedics’ belongings. The vehicle had been parked up in Northfield, Birmingham, while the crew attended an emergency.

The culprit was caught one on the vehicle’s cameras smashing a side window to snatch personal items including an iPhone before making off.

CoventryLive has contacted West Midlands Ambulance Service about the latest theft.