SIX lifebelts have been stolen from two bridges in Dumbarton and the Vale, report police.

Four of the vital lifebelts were stolen from Dumbarton Bridge between December 13 and 19 – just weeks after they were installed at the start of this month.

And two more belts have been reported stolen from Bonhill Bridge between December 24 and 26.

The four new Dumbarton Bridge lifebelts were installed by a ‘Partnership Approach to Water Safety’ group – PAWS – set up earlier this year to improve life-saving equipment and safety signs around West Dunbartonshire.

Sergeant Brian Simpson, who sits on the PAWS group  in West Dunbartonshire, said: “Life rings are potentially life-saving equipment and it is vital they are available if someone’s life is in danger.

“Anyone stealing life rings would be placing people’s lives in danger and would be at risk of prosecution.

“The work by the PAWS Group has taken place at a time when we are hearing tragedies of people drowning in open water across Scotland.

“The theft of this life saving equipment could have fatal consequences and cause heartache for families and friends.”

Anyone with information on either theft is asked to contact police by calling 101. Information can also be supplied anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The PAWS group in West Dunbartonshire also includes representatives from the fire and ambulance services, the council, the National Park Authority, Water Safety Scotland, the RNLI, HM Coastguard and the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat as well as other community groups.