Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment are being stolen from hospitals by members of the public.
Official figures show most of the 20 district health boards in New Zealand have had items including televisions, wheelchairs and hospital cars taken.
In the past five years, Northland DHB has had more than $200,000 worth of equipment either stolen or never returned.
That ranges from $27,000 worth of audio visual equipment to gas cannisters, 20 laptops and 237 mobile phones.
Canterbury DHB says three fleet cars have been taken. Other items to be stolen are playstations, toys and DVDs taken from the children's hospital.
In the past five years, Canterbury patients have also not returned 50 walking frames, worth $15,000 and 46 wheelchairs costing nearly $80,000.
Breast pumps, thermometers, disposable nappies and patients' clothing are also gone.
Capital and Coast District Health Board is unlikely to ever see more than 350 pairs of crutches worth about $30,000 again.
The board says patients often borrow equipment and then forget to return it.
