KOLKATA: A sudden rise in thefts at several city hospitals — especially Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata — in the past month has led to the watch section of detective department deploying more resources to nab the accused. On Saturday, investigators said they were thinking of warning patients against seeking help from strangers, which was a way fraudsters interacted with their targets. What has also led to the heightened police activity — including some arrests — was that two junior doctors were among the victims. “We have been receiving complaints and we think putting up banners against such thefts will help raise awareness,” said an officer. “We are using CCTV footage to track down the accused, often repeat offenders. In most cases, the pickpockets are using two different modus operandi. The common ruse is to offer help to those from outside Kolkata, take them to a secluded spot and slip away with cash and valuables. The second method is to steal taking advantage of the crowd, especially at the OPD. The cops say they have asked guards at hospitals to look out for irregular behaviour, but refrain from taking law in their own hands.