NHS Lanarkshire have issued a statement urging 'mindless' thieves to stop stealing hand sanitiser amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The health service said people have been stealing hand gel from hospitals in Lanarkshire, removing dispensers and bottles and filling empty bottles from their supplies.
They warn that stealing hand gel is putting people at risk – and that washing hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
They added: "This is extremely concerning as we purposely have hand gel in our hospitals and healthcare facilities for the protection of our patients, visitors and staff.
"Stealing hand gel from our hospitals puts all these people at risk.
"And it’s completely unnecessary as the best way to protect yourselves and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
"While it’s great to see so many people keen to keep their hands clean and virus-free, this cannot be at the expense of people with health issues and those caring for them.
"Don’t be a hand gel thief."
