POLICE have launched an appeal to find thieves who stole from nurses’ cars parked in the city’s hospital car park. while they worked.

Detective Inspector Jack Taylor said: “The staff members’ cars appear to have been targeted by thieves who have stolen the catalytic converters from their vehicles.

“I cannot emphasise enough how disappointing it is at a time when our health care professionals are risking their lives to look after us that they would be targeted in such a manner.

“I can reassure the victims and the wider public that we are fully investigated this incident and that our officers are working hard to protect the whole community from such crimes.

“We will also be increasing our patrols in these areas over the coming days and weeks in order to warn and deter potential offenders.”

Police were called around 12pm on Sunday 5 April to a suspected catalytic converter theft at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

A staff member who had completed their shift noticed a strange noise from the car when it started and a colleague nearby in the car park reported the same thing.

They believed their catalytic converters had been removed and called the police. There has been a recent increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles due to a rise in the value of the precious metals they contain.

Meanwhile, city man and founder of the ‘Plate one up and pass it on’ Facebook page, Toby Stringer has launched an appeal to try and raise some money for a nurse.

In a Facebook post he wrote: “I have been in contact with one of the nurses whose car was damaged during a theft while parked at Worcester hospital. She is such a hard working person who didn’t deserve to have this happen whilst at work saving lives. We are looking to raise £360 as this what the garage have quoted her to get it fixed. If you can help please get in touch with us on Facebook. We haven’t failed yet! Thanks.”

Detective Taylor added: “Investigators are working closely with our partners at the hospital and I would like to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the hospital car parks on either Saturday 4 April or Sunday 5 April around parked vehicles.

“Please contact us on 101 with any information and quote incident number 204s 5th April 2020.”