North Vancouver RCMP is searching for a man who allegedly stole a new mother's wallet at Lions Gate Hospital Monday after she left to feed her newborn baby.

"Police are investigating this shameless theft," said Cpl. Richard De Jong in a statement Tuesday. "Fortunately, the culprit was captured on a hospital security camera. A clear image of the alleged thief is being shared with the public in the hopes that someone will recognize him and notify the RCMP."

Police said that at 1 p.m., the mother left her hospital maternity room to feed her baby, but discovered when she returned that her wallet had been stolen from her unsecured drawer.

The wallet was recovered from a nearby garbage can, but $300 was missing.

"This is truly a heartless crime, made all the more disturbing because it targets a new mom caring for her child," said Wendy Hansson, chief operating officer for Lions Gate Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health. "We place the safety and security of our patients above all else, and we are working closely with the North Vancouver RCMP to help them solve this crime."

Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 604-985-1311.

bmorton@vancouversun.com