Heartless thieves stealing emergency food parcels from doorsteps of those 'shielding' during coronavirus crisis

Cleveland Police has said it has received reports from local authorities and on social media that food parcels are being stolen from the doorsteps of ‘shielded’ people.

People who received letters from the Government asking them to endure an extreme form of isolation to “shield” them from the worst of the Coronavirus outbreak have been able to access regular food delivers to their doorsteps.

These extremely vulnerable groups include organ transplant recipients, some cancer patients, people with severe lung conditions, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women with heart conditions.

It has been reported that thieves have stolen food parcels from people’s doorsteps.

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.

“I am asking that anyone who receives such parcels and has been the victim of theft call 101 to report these crimes.

“Every day our officers on the streets see evidence of communities coming together in unity against Covid-19.

“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.”