Thieves steal food parcels from shielding people - National

Shielded people who have been deemed those most at risk if they catch Covid-19 receive regular deliveries while they go through an extreme form of social distancing to keep themselves safe.

Cleveland Police said it has received reports from local councils and on social media that thieves have stolen these crucial parcels.

The force said victims were extremely vulnerable groups, including organ transplant recipients, cancer patients, those suffering severe lung conditions, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women with heart conditions.

Chief Superintendent Thom McLoughlin, head of local policing at Cleveland Police, said: ‘In itself this is appalling but the concern is that ultimately this may force those shielding to venture out to source food supplies putting themselves or family members at additional risk.

SEE ALSO: Van lands on its side after hitting lamppost in Portchester

‘Every day our officers on the streets see evidence of communities coming together in unity against Covid-19, every Thursday we hear the clapping for our amazing NHS and carers, and we see story after story on social media of heroism and sacrifice.

‘We will not let the actions of a few heartless criminals tarnish the work of so many and we will make every effort to bring them to justice.’

Anyone who has had a parcel stolen is asked to call 101 and to report the crime.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.