12 Jan 2023

Chemicals that burn skin, cause blindness stolen from Waikato Hospital

12:25 pm on 12 January 2023
Waikato Hospital

Waikato Hospital. Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers

Police are looking for a person in relation to the theft of dangerous chemicals from Waikato Hospital.

Three 500 millilitre bottles of chemicals known as pickling paste were stolen from the hospital between 23 December and 10 January.

The chemical burns skin, and can cause blindness when coming into contact with eyes, police said.

Pickling paste is commonly used in the welding industry to reduce discolouration on stainless steel.

Hamilton police are asking to hear from anyone with information about the theft.

Theft of chemicals from Waikato Hospital

A CCTV image of the person police want to speak to alongside a bottle of the chemical. Photo: Supplied / NZ police

As well as wanting to speak to the person whose photo has been released, police would like to hear from anyone with information on the theft or the whereabouts of the chemicals.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to get in touch with police on 105 and quote file number 230110/5099.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.