Whanganui Hospital tightens security after vehicle thefts

Whanganui Hospital security has increased vigilance in its carpark after a number of vehicle incidents. Photo / Eva de Jong

Recent incidents involving vehicle thefts and damage at Whanganui Hospital have prompted Health New Zealand Te Whatu ora to increase its security.

Health NZ group director of operations Katherine Fraser-Chapple said the organisation was aware of a small number of recent incidents involving attempted theft or interference with vehicles at the hospital.

Fraser-Chapple said the incidents have primarily involved staff vehicles and have occurred overnight or in the early hours of the morning.

The police confirmed there had been reports of wilful damage or attempted vehicle theft.

The Chronicle has asked police for data on the number of reports and type of offences.

Registered nurse Jaison Muthalam has been the victim of attempted car theft twice this year.

Both incidents occurred in the staff carpark, the first in January and the second in March.

“Both times this happened during my night shift. Once I had finished my night shift, I saw they had broken my windows and tried to steal my car,” he said.

“I was very tired after the shift, when I came out and saw it, I didn’t know what to do.”

Muthalam said it cost him $800 as he required a tow truck the second time.

Muthalam said he heard about another colleague whose car was broken into two days after his incident in March.

Fraser-Chapple said security is in place onsite overnight, and there are regular patrols across the hospital.

“We have increased vigilance in specific areas following recent reports and continue to review security measures as needed,” she said.

“Incidents of this nature are taken seriously, and staff are encouraged to report any concerns so appropriate action can be taken.”

Police urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around vehicles to call 111 if it is happening now. Non-urgent information can be provided through 105 online or over the phone.

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.