Police are appealing for information after a thief stole two rings from an 88year-old grandmother who suffers from dementia as she lay on a ward at Lancaster Royal Infirmary.
The rings are believed to have been stolen from Margie Blackburn’s finger between Tuesday 28th September and Thursday 30th September as she rested on ward 37 at the hospital.
The first ring is described as a yellow gold eternity ring with five diamonds. The second ring is a yellow gold solitaire engagement ring.
“This is a callous crime against a vulnerable lady and we need the public’s help to catch the person responsible,” commented Sergeant Mark Stephens from Lancaster CID. “Margie has arthritis therefore getting rings off her finger would be very difficult so it is highly unlikely that they have just fallen off her.
“Margie is on a general ward and as such a large number of people could have access to it. We are treating this as theft and I would appeal to anyone that has any information that could help with our enquiries to contact police.
“This is a despicable crime against an elderly woman unable to defend herself and it makes you question what sort of person would do this,” said Margie’s son, Roland Blackburn.
“I visit my mother regularly and as a family we are very upset about this as the rings have huge sentimental value.
“I want to raise awareness to make people realise that things like this can happen and for other people to learn from this and to take steps to stop their property being stolen in similar circumstances. “
• Anyone with any information about any of these crimes should contact Lancashire Police on 08451 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.