A 32-YEAR-OLD aged care worker has been charged with 40 offences after allegedly stealing $30,000 over three days from a 104-year-old resident at a Redland Bay aged care facility.
Police allege the woman, employed at the facility, stole the elderly resident’s debit card and used it to make 40 separate purchases and withdrawals between August 19 and August 21.
Detectives from the Wynnum Criminal Investigations Branch began investigating on August 21 after another employee raised concerns on behalf of the victim, who noticed his debit card was missing.
The aged care facility reportedly worked closely with police during the investigation.
The woman was arrested at a Birkdale address on October 28 and has since been charged with 40 counts of stealing.
She is expected to appear before Cleveland Magistrates Court on November 11.
South Brisbane District Bayside Crime Group Detective Inspector Wayne Francis said the theft totalled around $30,000 and represented a serious breach of trust.
“Offences of this nature are a terrible breach of trust against some of our most vulnerable members in society,” he said.
“We thank the aged care facility for alerting us to the issue as soon as the debit card was discovered to be missing and for working with investigators to get justice for the victim.”
Detective Inspector Francis urged the community to be vigilant for signs of elder abuse.
“We encourage all members of our community to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and to report suspected elder abuse immediately,” he said.
Police have reminded the public that elder abuse can take many forms — including financial, physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect — and urged anyone with concerns to contact Policelink on 131 444 or the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192.
