Appeal following hospital drug theft

Macclesfield CID are appealing for information after a quantity of potentially lethal drugs were stolen from Macclesfield District General Hospital

Some time around 8.30 pm on Tuesday 13 August a man gained access to an operating theatre at the hospital.

Once inside the room he forced a secure drugs cabinet off the wall, before fleeing with the cabinet which contained a quantity of controlled medication.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and officers are currently following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV and forensics.

The offender is described as a white man of thin build and approximately 5’ 11” tall. He was wearing a black cap with green stripes, a black jacket, grey sweatshirt, dark pants and black trainers and was carrying a red rucksack with blue straps.

Detective Inspector Duncan Gouck said: “The investigation is ongoing and it’s extremely important that we locate the drugs as soon as possible to ensure that nobody comes to harm. 

“Even when taken in small doses the stolen drugs can be potentially lethal. As part of enquires I’m keen to speak to anyone with any information, no matter how small, which may assist our investigation.”

A spokesperson for the trust  said, “Following the theft from the hospital premises we are assisting the police with their investigation through access to footage from widespread CCTV cameras in the area concerned; these controlled drugs are dangerous in the hands of non-qualified medical personnel.”

Inspector Gouck added: “I would also urge anyone who believes they may have been offered any of the drugs to get in touch with us on 101.

“Alternatively, if you don’t want to speak to officers, information can be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.

“Anyone in possession of the drugs is urged to hand them into their local police station to help ensure that nobody comes to harm.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 485431.

Information can also be passed online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.