THIEVES who target cars at York District Hospital are causing distress for patients and visitors already under strain, hospital bosses say.

They spoke out after two vehicles, one belonging to a male visitor, the other to a female nurse, were stolen within 45 minutes of each other.

A hospital spokeswoman said such thefts could occur when people are at their most vulnerable.

"It could be a father waiting for his baby to be delivered and it is very distressing for them," she said.

"It is a nuisance and have as much security as we can. There are cameras, and security guards patrol the grounds through the night."

Staff were also briefed to report people acting suspiciously in the main car park in Wigginton Road and the maternity car park at the rear, she said.

"It does happen more than we would like. It is because we are near town and because some people take a short cut through the grounds."

Unison steward Dave Hanbury said security was discussed continually with hospital managers.

"Security is a big issue, whether it is personal security and lone working you are looking at, or in car parks," he said.

"It is a sad comment on the state of society that thieves target people's transport at hospitals. We need to be constantly on our guard."

The vehicles stolen were a Vauxhall Cavalier, recovered at Clifton Moor, and a blue Ford Escort, registration J374 BUA, which is still missing.

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