UK COMPUTERS STOLEN West Yorkshire Police: CCTV Released after Cancer Research Computer Stolen from Hospital:

CCTV Released after Cancer Research Computer Stolen from Hospital

Tuesday 22 Sept 2009
Hospital theft suspect - Click to view a larger image Suspect: Hospital theft

Detectives in North East Leeds have released CCTV stills of a man they want to speak to in connection with the theft of a computer containing vital cancer research from St James' Hospital.

The Hewlett Packard PC was stolen around 7.30pm on Sunday 2 August along with a laptop computer and a small red trolley, which was used to transport the items out of the Bexley Wing of the hospital building.

The stolen computer contained a unique type of developmental software that was being used as part of a research project into radiotherapy treatments for cancer sufferers. It's believed the theft could significantly delay the project.

Following examination of CCTV from the hospital, detectives have been able to link the computer theft to another incident on September 7, where a member of staff had their car keys stolen from a staff room. Detectives believe the same man may be responsible for both thefts and are appealing to the public to identify the suspect.

When the computer was stolen the suspect is seen to enter the Bexley Wing from Beckett Street at 6.18pm on Sunday 2 August. He is then captured on CCTV a short time later at 7.45pm dressed in a high visibility jacket and hard hat as he pulls a trolley containing both stolen computers out of the building.
Close up image - Click to view a larger image Suspect: Close up

Detective Sergeant Andy Dixon, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This computer contains research that is of no use to anyone else but could potentially delay work in this area of cancer treatment significantly.

'I am asking the public to look at the images of this man and get in touch with us if they recognise him.

'Someone may have bought a computer from this man and if that is the case I would urge them to get in touch with us.

'Information can be passed to us anonymously and my main concern is recovering this computer and the vital research it contains.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stainbeck CID via: 0845 60 60 606 or call Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on: 0800 555 111.