Police hunt thief who targets sick

Three-month reign by hospital raider
POLICE are hunting a thief who has targeted elderly bed-ridden patients at Tameside General Hospital over the past three months.

The unknown offender stole a ring from an 84-year-old woman between 2.30pm on August 4 and 11.15am the following day. In other raids he stole:

::A wedding ring belonging to an 84-year-old woman being treated for pneumonia. It was taken between 7am and 5pm on July 1.

::Jewellery from a terminally-ill elderly woman between 3pm on June 26, and 9am on June 28.

::Cash was stolen from a 78-year-old woman between 12noon on June 3 and 2pm on June 8.

PC Ian Johnson said: ““I am astonished someone is prepared to steal from people who are lying ill and defenceless in their hospital beds and I would urge anyone with any information about the person responsible to call.”

Information can be reported to 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.