IN the first operation of its kind at Lister Hospital, police moved in to dispense help and advice to patients and staff. Officers spent two days there in a bid to improve security. Along with police community support officers and crime prevention officer

IN the first operation of its kind at Lister Hospital, police moved in to dispense help and advice to patients and staff.

Officers spent two days there in a bid to improve security.

Along with police community support officers and crime prevention officer Mark Montgomery, they property marked over 300 mobile phones, more than 200 laptops and other equipment including iPods, satellite navigation systems and stereos.

They also visited wards at the hospital, which is part of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, to offer staff and patients advice on keeping their bags and purses safe, securing lockers and keeping other personal items including keys out of sight.

Pc Paul Lawlor, ward manager for Stevenage Old Town, said: "We work very closely already with the Lister Hospital particularly with their security manager and other staff.

"However, this is the first time we have been into the hospital and visited the wards to give staff and patients advice on how to make sure their things are secure.

"A stay in hospital can be understandably stressful, even more so if your belongings go missing. Thousands of people pass through the hospital's doors every day and not all of them will be there for an honest reason.

"Taking sensible precautions including locking your belongings away or giving them to a trusted family member or friend to look after means the chances of them being taken are greatly reduced.