High levels of crimes in hospitals and surgeries
A total of 1,506 crimes were committed within hospitals and doctors' surgeries in the Highlands and Islands last year, it has emerged.
The figures from the Northern Constabulary force area are second only to the levels seen in the Strathclyde force area.
Local Conservative MSP Mary Scanlon has described the figures as "deeply worrying".
Assaults and thefts were among the crimes recorded.
Ms Scanlon said: "I am shocked that in the Northern Constabulary area we have one-third of the Scottish total of crimes committed in hospitals and doctors' surgeries.
"We need to find out what is the cause. We need to take action."