THIEVES are targeting hospital staff who cycle to work.

Four bikes are said to have been stolen recently by thieves at the hospital which operates a cycle2work scheme.

Theatre worker David Abrams has had two bikes stolen, the latest just over a week ago.

He said: “I work in the theatre department and I know of two other close friends who have recently had their bikes stolen from the same place as well as a nurse from the day stay unit.

“Another friend has had her bike stolen, one left to her in her sister’s will.

“This is just one department. I know of several others that have also had bikes stolen within the past year. Obviously the hospital is easy pickings for the bike thieves and they must be aware that the hospital promotes cycling to work. It even runs the cycle to work scheme, actively encouraging people to cycle to work instead of driving.”

The cycle2works scheme involves employers buying bikes and leasing them to employees who can make savings on tax contributions. It is unclear how many of the bikes were involved in the scheme

John Henry, director of estates and facilities at Southend University Hospital, said: “The Trust provides two secure lockable bicycle storage areas for staff with space for more than 60 cycles, as well as nine public cycle storage areas offering parking for a further 150 bikes. All cycle storage areas are covered by CCTV cameras and benefit from frequent security patrols.

“During 2017, we have had two formally reported bicycle thefts from the trust which were taken from the public storage areas, although thefts may have been reported directly to the police without notifying hospital staff. In common with car parking on the trust site, bicycle parking is at the owners’ risk but we do fully investigate any thefts reported to us so we can amend and improve the security measures we have in place accordingly.”