THIEVES have stolen cables, drugs, cash and charity money from the York Hospital trust.

The figures, which show there were 175 thefts from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust over three years, have been described as saddening by the hospital trust.

A Freedom of Information request submitted to North Yorkshire Police shows everything from laptops to prescription pads, bags and wallets were taken from people in hospitals in 2013, 2014 and 2015.  

It revealed 48 bikes were stolen from the hospitals as well as almost £4000 of jewellery and even a charity doll valued at £100.

A spokeswoman for York Hospital trust said: "It is extremely saddening that thieves target hospitals, both in terms of stealing vital money from the NHS as well as the personal belongings of patients and staff.

"Theft not only takes money out of the NHS but it also impacts on patients who benefit from lifesaving pieces of equipment, some of which is provided by fundraising donations.

"We provide lockers for patients’ personal items and always advise patients to avoid bringing cash and valuables with them into hospital."

One of the most high profile examples of stealing from York Hospital during this time is the case of plastic surgery specialist Samia Naz Siddiqui.

The doctor, from York, was given an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years after she was found to have injected herself with leftover clinical morphine.

She was also found with used syringes in her handbag and a suitcase full of syringes and injection-related equipment.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police added: "All theft is distressing to a victim of crime, especially if your personal belongings have been taken while you are in hospital.

"It is particularly heartless to target anyone in such a vulnerable position or the staff who look after them.

"Our advice is not to take anything of value with you and if you do, don't leave it unattended or on display."