THIEVES vandalised an office at a hospital before fleeing with the contents of a charity box.
The incident, in the diabetic liaison nurses' office at Darlington Memorial Hospital, is believed to have happened between 5pm and 6.45pm on Wednesday.
Cash was also taken from a handbag in the reception area of the physiotherapy department.
A police spokesman said: "We believe the thieves were opportunists just looking for cash. There is no sign of a break-in in either area.
"Before they left they defecated into a waste bin and used this to spread excrement around the room."
Anyone who has any information, or saw suspicious people wandering around the hospital between 5pm and 7pm is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.
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