THEFT of any kind is unacceptable in a modern society.

But when thieves target elderly and vulnerable people the betrayal leaves an even nastier taste in the mouth.

100-year-old Kitty Turner had been admitted to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with an infection, just weeks after her milestone birthday.

She had been wearing the 22-carat golden wedding band given to her by her late husband Charlie 70 years earlier. But shortly after her death, her heartbroken family discovered someone had disrespected her memory by stealing the very wedding ring she hadn’t taken off for 70 years .

Who could have the audacity to do this? This is the third time a vulnerable patient has been targeted at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Surely when we or our loved ones go into hospital, we should be able to be confident they will receive the best treatment and not be preyed upon in their hours of need.

The actions of a very small minority are now casting shadows over the hard work of our nurses and doctors.

The culprit must be caught.

If anyone has any information, do the right thing and contact police before this despicable crime happens to another family.