POLICE are probing a mysterious theft of money from a practice within Greenock Health Centre.

The theft was from a GP’s surgery within the centre and two envelopes vanished containing a three-figure sum in total.

The items were said to be inside an unlocked desk when the theft occurred.

A member of staff at the health centre, who doesn’t want to be named, claims this is the latest in a spate of similar incidents at the Duncan Street facility.

She has also claimed that the alleged incidents have not been investigated adequately.

The source, who alleges that other thefts have included money being taken from a charity tin, said: “There’s been thefts of money and personal items over the last few months.

“It’s been reported to the administration but it’s not being investigated. There was money taken from a GP’s surgery recently, and that was reported to police.” Greenock police confirmed they are investigating the theft but said they had no previous reports of incidents at the health centre.

Sergeant Allan O’Hare said: “We received a report of a theft of two envelopes containing cash from a doctor’s surgery within an unlocked desk at Greenock Health Centre.

“The theft happened between 11.45am on Friday 5 September and 8.45am on Tuesday 9 September.

“Inquiries are continuing.” Health centre bosses say that security measures are now being stepped up.

A spokesman for Inverclyde CHCP, which is responsible for the health centre, said: “We treat all incidents very seriously and this incident is being fully investigated and details recorded as per our procedures.

“We are currently reviewing and updating our security system.

“We have advised all staff within our premises to ensure personal possessions are kept locked away.”