Brazen thieves have been caught on security cameras stealing everything from personal belongings to private patient records at Royal Perth Hospital, one of Australia's major medical facilities.
Daring thefts caught on video
Security footage from the hospital's emergency department shows a thief pointing out an opportunity before an accomplice moves in to swipe a bag from beside a sleeping patient. In another incident, while a patient is distracted, their phone is snatched by a stranger who stashes it under her clothing. A third theft involved a man walking into the emergency department and taking an e-scooter, so unconcerned about being caught that he passed a paramedic on his way out.
These are three of the 36 known thefts that authorities are aware of. Items stolen include laptops, wallets, power tools, bikes, books, stuffed animals, and even mattresses.
Privacy concerns escalate
WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat expressed outrage, calling the thefts "completely unacceptable, really disappointing, and quite shocking." She noted that patient notes and personal information are also being stolen, raising serious privacy concerns.
Australian Medical Association WA President Kyle Hoath said he was unaware of the issue until it was brought to his attention. "That always raises a bit of a concern for me because what we might see in one hospital, we have to assume given how similar our hospitals are that we could be seeing it somewhere else," he stated.
Government response
In response to the escalating thefts, Minister Hammat said the government has been making improvements to security, including enhancing CCTV coverage. The hospital is also reviewing its security protocols to prevent further incidents.
The thefts have highlighted vulnerabilities in hospital security, especially in emergency departments where patients are often vulnerable and distracted. The WA government is urging anyone with information about the thefts to come forward.
