Police put out urgent appeal to find surgeon’s operating glasses after they were stolen in car raid

Police in Birmingham have launched an urgent appeal after a heart surgeon’s operating glasses were stolen during a raid on his car.

The glasses, which are only produced by a small number of companies globally, will take around six weeks to be replaced, meaning he will be unable to save lives during this time.

Stephen Rooney works as a consultant cardiac surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and West Midlands Police have described the missing glasses – known as loupes – as ‘absolutely essential’ to his work.

In a statement, the police said: ‘Because of how crucial the glasses are to his work, we’re appealing for help to get them back.

‘The stolen operating glasses are described as having a black frame. They have the name ‘Stephen Rooney’ engraved in the arms.

‘They had been in a black and aluminium box, also with his name on it, when they were taken. 

‘A folding golf cart was also stolen from the passenger footwell of the car.

The glasses, which are only produced by a small number of companies globally, will take around six weeks to be replaced, meaning he will be unable to save lives during this time. Pictured: Stock image of glasses which are similar to but not exactly the same as Stephen’s missing ones

West Midlands Police have launched an appeal to locate the missing glasses ‘because of how crucial the glasses are’ to Stephen’s work

‘Our priority is for the glasses to be returned to the hospital, and we are appealing directly to the people who’ve taken them to do the right thing and take them back.’

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 or using the Live Chat on their website.

Anonymous tips can also be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, ensuring to quote crime number 20/1734004/21.