Callous thieves are continuing to prey on sick children at Auckland's Starship Hospital.
The latest theft was of a laptop-DVD which disappeared from a ward last month, Auckland District Health Board spokesman Mark Fenwick said today.
"Unfortunately it does happen, we've encountered it before. We're aware of doctor's phones being stolen, books and toys get stolen, clothes, cars from outside the hospital. But it's not just at Starship, it's at hospitals generally," he told NZPA.
"It is upsetting, but unfortunately it's a fact of life in a large public institution."
Mr Fenwick said keeping children entertained was an important part of the recovery process.
"The key thing is the medical treatment that they're getting, obviously, but rest and recreation is an important part of recuperation so these devices -- toys, books, games -- all have a part to play."
Security had been ramped-up at the hospital since the theft last month.
