THIEVES have stolen cash and belongings worth more than £1,200 from North Devon District Hospital over the past year.

Statistics for all thefts from the Barnstaple hospital between April 1, 2008, and March 31 this year show that during that time there were 28 thefts from the hospital with the items taken valued at a total of £1,252.50.

As well as cash to the value of £777.50 and six credit and debit cards, other items stolen included an oil painting called Dawn Departure Of Lady, a portable DVD player, a packet of cigarettes and five hearing aid batteries.

Most of the crimes, details of which were obtained in response to a Freedom of Information request by the

Journal

, appear to be opportunist thefts with only one car break-in reported.

In August last year the

Journal

reported that between April 2005 and March 2008 £28,997 worth of property had been stolen — nearly £20,000 of which was taken in August 2005 when a cash machine was forced open.

These latest figures show that thefts from the hospital are down on previous years.

From April, 2006, to March, 2007, there were 49 cases of theft at a total cost of £2,336 and from April 2007 to March 2008 there were 45 cases of theft at a total cost of £4,499.

Iain Roy, director of facilities at NDDH, said: "We're very pleased to report a dramatic reduction in the number of thefts from hospital premises this year.

"The Trust takes the security of its patients, visitors and staff very seriously. We have a strong partnership with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary to help us make the hospital environment as secure as it can be.

"As well as having a dedicated Trust Police Officer on site we have enhanced the security of ward areas and have worked with our staff to increase vigilance and ensure that anyone without an identification badge is challenged.

"We are delighted that our efforts have had such a big impact on the theft figures."