Thieves hit hospital patients and visitors

Officers from the force's safer neighbourhood team met with staff and security personnel at the Western General following 60 separate thefts. The crackdown has already led to arrests but police vowed to maintain the patrols.

Police chiefs have asked visitors to the hospital to keep valuables in their possession at all times, as well as avoiding keeping items such as sat-navs in cars parked outside.

Patients watchdogs attacked the culprits for taking advantage of victims when they are "at their most vulnerable", and called for tougher security measures at all Lothian hospitals.

The property stolen from the Western General has included mobile phones, jackets and purses, as well as bikes stolen from outside.

NHS bosses said CCTV cameras and security guards were deployed at hospitals to "minimise the problem".

Margaret Watt, chairwoman of the Scotland Patients Association, said: "The biggest problem is that we've no front door security in hospitals. We've no-one to check whether someone has a legitimate reason for being in a hospital. If you visit the Scottish Parliament there are thorough security checks but at hospitals, our most important buildings, there are none.

"These thieves are taking advantage of people at their most vulnerable - patients and visitors worrying about sick friends and relatives. They are thinking about other things and may leave a bag or a coat lying there. We need to protect them."

George Curley, associate director of facilities, NHS Lothian, said: "NHS Lothian takes security seriously and we report all thefts to the police. As an organisation delivering healthcare from over 300 sites, we face particular practical challenges in terms of securing our premises from theft. Security guards, CCTV and controlled access to private areas are just some of the ways we try to minimise the problem.

"As part of the NHS National Security Campaign, we will be continuing to raise awareness among staff, patients and visitors of the importance of protecting their possessions."

A police spokesman said: "A 37-year-old woman has been reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with a number of alleged thefts from the Western General Hospital. A 29-year-old man was also charged in connection with alleged thefts from vehicles parked within the hospital car park, while two youths were spoken to by police in relation to anti-social behaviour issues.

"Hospital visitors should ensure their vehicles are locked securely with any valuable belongings removed or kept out of sight."