THEFTS from North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) in Barnstaple have halved over the last year, according to figures obtained by the Journal.

Between April 2009 and April 2010 there were 14 recorded thefts from the hospital. Over the same period last year the figure was 28.

Among the items stolen during 2009/10 were a £400 laptop computer, a £200 pair of spectacles and several items from a vending machine.

Other valuables included bank cards, wallets, cash, pills, and mobile phones. The value of goods stolen totalled £1,307.

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, who are responsible for the running of the hospital, say the addition of a night security officer and upgraded CCTV systems have helped minimise theft.

Glen Everton, spokesman for the trust, said: "Annual security audits of every department are carried out by the Trust's police officer, PC Nick Daffern, and we carry out regular campaigns with staff to identify vulnerable valuables so people take greater precautions.

"The prevention of crime at NDDH is vital but at the same time we have to strike a balance given the coming and going of large numbers of patients and visitors, nobody wants security to be intrusive.

"We'd ask people to protect their valuables and to report anything suspicious. The number of thefts is down but they do still happen."

For more information about the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust visit the website at www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk.