Cable thefts scupper medical scan plans

About 20 medical scans at a Shropshire hospital had to be cancelled after metal thieves stole electrical cables.

Staff at Shropshire Nuffield Hospital in Shrewsbury discovered that the main cable had been cut and stolen from the mobile scanner which was situated on the hospital car park in Longden Road. The theft was discovered at around 8am on Saturday.

As a result, about 20 MRI scans were cancelled on Saturday causing delays for patients awaiting treatment.

Richard Ewels, West Mercia Police spokesman, said: "If the Nuffield had not identified the theft, then the MRI scanner could have been completely destroyed.

"Those who steal metal for its scrap value are causing untold damage and even putting lives at risk.

"Drain covers have been stolen from roadside gulleys, cable stolen from overhead power lines and railway signalling systems and houses stripped of copper piping.

"We need people to contact the police by calling 0300 333 3000 if they spot anything suspicious so that immediate checks can be made.

"With public support, more and more offenders will be arrested and put before the courts."

Police arrested three people on suspicion of the thefts and they were due to appear at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court today.

Two men aged 23 and 22, and a 17-year-old youth have been charged with stealing cable worth between £3,000 and £4,000 belonging to the hospital.

Two were arrested at 1.40am on Saturday when police stopped their vehicle in Castle Street, Shrewsbury, and recovered a quantity of cable.

The third was arrested at an address in New Park Road less than an hour later.