THIEVES have targeted a hospice for the third time in just over a year.

Staff and patients at the East Lancashire Hospice in Park Lee Road, Blackburn, have been left ‘really upset’ after the latest, unusual, incident.

Overnight between Sunday and Monday, a filtration system, electric Yamitsu Fish mate pond pump, pipeworks and fittings, was extracted from its concrete and chain surroundings and dragged through a picket fence, hedge and over a wall.

Amanda Rawcliffe, community fundraiser at the 10-bed inpatient hospice, believes the £700 system has been ‘stolen to order’.

She said: “It helps keep the large pond in our landscaped garden clean. I think it’s been targeted by somebody who is into carp or cold water fishing.

“Maybe it is just for scrap metal, but I suspect it’s been stolen to order.”

It is the second time the system has been stolen in 14 months. Lead was also taken from the hospice roof earlier this year.

Mrs Rawcliffe said: “It was very kindly donated and the work done for us.

"It just doesn’t seem fair. This is the patients’ garden area where they go for relaxation, therapy and time outdoors. It is a peaceful, calm and tranquil area.

"They are really upset. They like to go up on to the viewing platform and watch our collection of fish.

“Whoever did this, they are very sad individuals who don’t think about the people affected by their very selfish actions.

“It is disgusting really to target a hospice and take that type of equipment.

"It’s not easily replaced. We are independent with no government funding and rely on charitable donations.

“If anyone can help replace or trace the equipment, we’d be very grateful.”

Staff are now concerned about the fish as they struggle to keep the pond clean.

The theft was discovered on Monday morning by the hospice groundsman who spotted drag marks and a gap in the hedge.

Mrs Rawcliffe added: “It’s not been a quick job. It’s taken time, but unfortunately our CCTV cameras didn’t capture the incident.

“They did leave behind a wheelie bin which they brought to the scene, perhaps with cutting tools in.

“It might give the police forensic clues.”

A police spokesman said: “This is a particularly appalling and despicable crime committed against people who are the most in need.

“I urge anyone who has information to contact us.”

Call police on 0845 1 253545.