Heartless thieves targeted Southend Hospital in a raid that netted them £13,000 in computer equipment.
They forced padlocks on a storage container in the grounds behind the tower block, then removed 20 monitors, 16 printers, ten laptops and ten keyboards.
The equipment was to have been installed in the new rheumatology unit due to be set up at the end of the month.
Shocked staff found the equipment missing at 8.55am on Wednesday.
Consultant Dr Bhafkar Dasgupta said: "I'm aghast.
"We can't function without this equipment. It's a major setback."
Anyone with information is asked to call Southend Police on 01702 431212.
Published Friday July 9, 2004
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