MRI scans cancelled at Shropshire hospital after scanner is disabled by metal thieves
Hospital MRI scans at a Shropshire hospital had to be cancelled after metal thieves stole cable from the scanner unit.
The theft was discovered at the Shropshire Nuffield Hospital in Shrewsbury at around 8am on Saturday.
Staff reported that the main cable had been cut and cable stolen from the mobile scanner situated on the hospital car park in Longden Road.
As a result, around 20 MRI scans were cancelled on Saturday causing delays for patients awaiting treatment.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: "If the Nuffield had not identified the theft, then the MRI scanner could have been completely destroyed."
Metal thefts continue to cause problems across the county and police urged people to report any suspicious activity.
"Those who steal metal for their 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."
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of theft from the Nuffield Hospital. Two men aged 23 and 22 together with 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.
All three are due to appear before Shrewsbury magistrates today.
