A CCTV hard drive was stolen, and a cash box emptied at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, prompting a police investigation.

At around 6.15pm on Monday, December 14, access was gained to a locked area to the rear of the café in the main foyer of the hospital and stole a CCTV hard drive and other items.

Around 45 minutes later, the same man is believed to have broken into vending machines in another area of the hospital and emptied the cash box.

And police have released a CCTV image of the suspect.

Police Constable Gemma Gumbleton, of Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this matter and have obtained a CCTV image of the suspect.

“I would urge anyone with any information as to his identity to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email to 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200188883.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.