Mayday staff have been told to be extra vigilant after a man entered the hospital and stole from a elderly patient.
The thief stole a purse containing £20 cash from a 77 year-old woman's handbag whilst he sat at her bedside talking to her on December 5.
The Old Coulsdon woman had just been admitted into the hospital that day when she received a visit from the stranger offering spiritual comfort but only realised his real motives when she discovered her purse was missing.
Mayday spokesman, Frank McCowan said: "Hospitals are public places and we can't search everyone that comes in.
"The staff have been told to alert security if they believe someone has no real business being in the hospital."
A 27-year-old man of no fixed abode was later arrested and pleaded guilty to theft.
December 13, 2001 13:30
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