The Royal Free Hospital has defended its security measures after a thief broke into a heart unit and raided a vending machine.

A spokesman for the hospital, in Pond Street, Hampstead, said the incident on July 7 proved security is up to scratch as the man was caught and arrested at the scene.

She said: “We’re not improving our security because the alarm was set off and that alerted security, and then the man was arrested. Our security works.”

Michael Parker, 45, of Mostyn Road, Edgware, was caught attempting to steal cash from the vending machine in the cardiology department in the middle of the night.

He was jailed for 18 weeks at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to theft.