Mindless thugs are endangering people's lives by stealing life rings and other vital pieces of safety equipment from the banks of the River Medway in Maidstone.

Since April last year more than 200 pieces of safety equipment, including life rings, lifebuoys, throw bags and lifelines, have been stolen, moved from their proper locations or thrown into the water.

As well as the obvious safety implications, the thefts have cost taxpayers more than £7,000 as Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has been forced to replace the stolen items.

In 2015, the equipment was used in at least five rescues from the River Medway, including that of a prisoner who plunged into the river after escaping from custody at Maidstone Crown Court.

In December 2014, tragic Pat Lamb fell into the river at Maidstone and his body was later discovered at Cuxton Marina.

Another man, Kieron Knowlden, also died after falling into the River Medway in 2014, while several others have fallen in and survived.

Cllr Marion Ring, chairman of the council’s Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, has a stark warning for the thieves.

She said: "Some people seem to think these are toys or that it’s a game to mess about with them.

"They don’t seem to realise that these are essential pieces of lifesaving equipment and it’s absolutely vital they are available if someone’s life is in danger.

"Staff regularly check the equipment and replace missing items as quickly as possible but any period of time – however short – when they are not present poses a danger.

"Anyone who removes items is committing a criminal offence and I would urge them to recognise the potentially serious consequences of their actions and stop."

Cllr Ring’s comments are echoed by Maidstone businessman Ben London who jumped into the River Medway to save a man from drowning three weeks ago.

He said: "These people are thoughtless. They simply don’t seem to realise that someone could lose their life if these vital pieces of equipment are not there."

The man Mr London saved was losing consciousness and unable to grasp the ring, which was thrown to him.

So Mr London dived into the river, hauled him to the bank… and then went back into the river to retrieve the life ring so it was there for the next person who needed it.

MBC provides equipment at 55 lifebuoy stations along the banks of the River Medway from Tovil to the Malta Inn at Allington, as well as at popular spots on the river at The Lees, Yalding, and Teston Bridge, in Mote Park and at the lake at Mallards Way.

Since April last year the council has replaced 48 Lifebuoys, 87 throw bags and 72 lifelines.