AED Theft: How Big Is the Risk Really?

Written by

Bart de Visser

More than 15 years of experience in AEDs & heart safety · AEDwijzer

Published on September 16, 2025

An AED is a valuable asset, both in euros and in terms of life-saving potential. This is why some organizations or neighborhood associations hesitate to install the device outdoors. What if someone takes it? Fortunately, the reality is reassuring: the risk of theft is extremely small in practice.

The numbers: Fact vs. Fiction

The idea that AEDs are widely stolen does not correspond to reality. According to data from gestolenaed.nl, approximately 80,000 AEDs have been installed in the Netherlands. Of these, on average fewer than 10 are stolen per year.

To put it in perspective: the chance of your AED being stolen is many times smaller than the chance of someone in your immediate vicinity suffering a cardiac arrest. And precisely for that situation, the device must be immediately accessible 24/7.

Why an AED is not an attractive target for theft

Although a new AED device is a significant investment, thieves have little use for it:

• Traceability: Each device has a unique serial number registered with the manufacturer and the police.

• Maintenance: An AED regularly needs new electrodes and an AED battery. Without official maintenance, the device eventually becomes unusable, destroying its resale value.

• Social control: A stolen AED is 'tainted'. Because they are often placed in areas with high social control, they are rarely taken unnoticed.

Safe installation without losing time

At AEDwijzer, we often recommend AED cabinets without locks. Why? Because every second counts. A PIN code lock or key can cause valuable time loss in the panic of a resuscitation.

Tips for safe placement:

1. Visibility: Install the AED in a well-lit, central location with high social control.

2. Anchoring: Ensure the outdoor AED cabinet is securely attached to the facade with appropriate materials.

3. Alarm system: Choose a cabinet with a loud acoustic alarm that sounds as soon as the cover is opened. This deters thieves but also immediately alerts the neighborhood that there is a medical emergency.

Choose certainty and accessibility

Don't let fear of theft hinder the heart safety of your neighborhood.

• The right protection: View our outdoor AED cabinets with built-in alarm and heating.

• Find the ideal spot: Need help determining the best location? Use our AED Selection Guide for advice on the best cabinet combination for your area.

• Always insured: Did you know that an AED can often be co-insured in the building or contents insurance? We are happy to advise you on the possibilities.

• Guaranteed maintenance: If there is damage after a deployment (or an unforeseen incident), we will help you immediately via our maintenance contracts.

Do you want to know which outdoor cabinet offers the best balance between theft prevention and rapid deployment? I would be happy to help you make the right choice for your neighborhood!