Staff at Watford General Hospital don't feel it's safe to leave their bikes at work after it emerged some of the bike racks are not protected by CCTV.

Nurse Andy Armstrong's Specialized Allez was stolen from designated bike racks at the hospital on Thursday, June 25.

The 42-year-old, from West Watford, said many staff ride their bikes to work - and are encouraged to do so as part of the NHS's cycle to work scheme.

Andy, who had just finished paying off the bike as part of the scheme, said: "I left the bike in the rack - where it should be. After it was stolen, I was told by the security team there are no live cameras there.

"They are encouraging all staff to cycle to work, they should have the security in place to prevent thefts.

"I now have a new bike, but I don't want to risk it being stolen again."

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said Andy's was one of two reported bike thefts in the last eight weeks.

Kevin Howell, the trust's director of environment, the hospital has stepped up security patrols in the area.

He said: “I am really sorry that this member of staff had their bicycle stolen. We have had two reported thefts of bicycles from Watford Hospital in the last eight weeks, and clearly this is two too many.

“We do everything we can to ensure the safety and security of our staff, patients and visitors and their property, while at our hospitals.

“Unfortunately our current CCTV does not cover the area where the bike was stolen but we are planning to increase CCTV across the Watford Hospital site and we will be looking at that particular area as part of this work.

“We have also recently increased the number of security officers patrolling Watford Hospital on a 24/7 basis from two to three. External patrols are carried out both by our security staff and our two designated Police Community Support Officers and we have asked them to increase patrols in this area.

“We do encourage our staff to cycle in which is why we have invested in new cycling facilities across our sites over the last couple of years. These facilities include new bike racks, showers and a repair hub."

In a statement, Hertfordshire Constabulary said five bikes had been stolen from hospital grounds since January.

It said: “The hospital has two dedicated PCSOs, Susan Lowther and Mark Pearce, and they patrol the areas affected on a regular basis, as part of their work there.

“They will be happy to security mark bikes for free, so if they are ever stolen and recovered by police they can be returned to the rightful owner."

Susan or Mark can be contacted via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101.