AUSTRALIA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM HOSPITAL Hospital radiography gear stolen - National - smh.com.au

Hospital radiography gear stolen

December 7, 2007 - 3:33PM

Thieves have loaded up a hospital trolley with vital computer radiography imaging equipment worth more than $100,000 and walked out with it, NSW police say.

Police believe the theft may have been an inside job and have offered a $1,000 reward for information.

The thieves slipped into the Medical Imaging Department on the third floor of Blacktown Hospital, in Sydney's west, between 3.30am (AEDT) and 5.15am yesterday.

Police said six computer towers were taken, including three GE brand mainframes, and seven LCD monitors between 20 inches and 38 inches in diameter. The equipment is valued at $120,000.

It appears the thieves piled up their booty on a hospital trolley, wheeled it to a fire escape and fled.

The equipment taken included ultrasound and radiography machinery, forcing the relocation of a number of staff and patients to another hospital.

Detective Inspector Gary Hutchen said the thieves seemed to have known which equipment to take and appeared to have a good knowledge of the facility.

"It is extremely disappointing that thieves would target a hospital and steal such vitally important equipment," Det Insp Hutchen said.

"I am urging anyone that might have seen any suspicious behaviour in or around the hospital yesterday, or with knowledge of the equipment, to contact police immediately."

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Callers have the option of remaining anonymous, and a reward of up to $1,000 is on offer for information that leads to an arrest.

AAP