THIEVES who targeted the St John Ambulance headquarters in Argyle Way, Stevenage have been condemned.

The intruders struck at around 10pm on Monday, stealing the number plates from an ambulance and putting the vehicle off the road until new plates are obtained which could take a week.

They were attempting to take a trailer when they were disturbed and fled.

St John county executive officer, Brian Wingate, said: ‘We’re always so disappointed when people steal from a charity, not thinking through the consequences.

“First aid is the difference between a life lost and a life saved. If our ambulances are booked for events or needed in an emergency but cannot go out because they’ve been damaged, the vital work we do is seriously impeded.’