Detectives from Wynnum Criminal Investigations Branch have charged a woman with 40 offences after investigations into fraudulent purchases in August.
Police will allege the woman stole a debit card from a 104-year-old man through her employment at an aged care facility in Redland Bay and used it to make personal purchases and withdrawals between 19 August to 21 August.
Detectives commenced an investigation on 21 August after a report was received from another employee at the facility on behalf of the 104-year-old man after he noticed his debit card was missing. The aged care facility worked closely with investigators throughout their enquiries.
Police will further allege the woman's unauthorised transactions from the elderly victim's debit card accumulated to thousands of dollars.
The woman was arrested at a Birkdale address on 28 October.
A 32-year-old Birkdale woman was subsequently charged with 40 counts of stealing,
She is expected to appear before Cleveland Magistrates Court on 11 November.
South Brisbane District Bayside Crime Group Detective Inspector Wayne Francis says the Queensland Police Service is committed to working with older people, the community and support agencies to stop harm to our elders.
"Offences of this nature are a terrible breach of trust against some of our most vulnerable members in society."
"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."
"We encourage all members of our community to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and to report suspected elder abuse immediately."
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is a single or repeated act - or lack of appropriate action - occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
The five abuse subtypes are commonly recognised as:
- Financial abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse (otherwise known as emotional abuse)
- Neglect.
Signs of elder abuse
If you suspect an older person is being subjected to elder abuse, pay close attention and see if you can identify any of the signs or behaviour changes, some signs those at risk may exhibit.
If you suspect elder abuse is happening, don't wait for proof. Call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 for free, confidential advice and referral.
Everyone has a right to a respectful relationship, including the elderly. Together we can stop elder abuse.
Be aware of changes in general behaviour including:
- fear of one or many persons,
- irritability or being easily upset,
- worry or anxiety for no obvious reason,
- depression, anxiety or withdrawal,
- changes in sleep patterns or eating habits,
- rigid posture and avoidance of contact,
- avoidance of eye contact or continuous darting of eyes,
- contradictory statements unrelated to mental confusion, and
- reluctance to talk openly.
Who can help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, there are options available to help and support.
If a crime is happening now, call Triple Zero (000). If not, think Policelink and call 131 444.
The Elder Abuse Helpline provides free, confidential advice, support and referral to anyone experiencing abuse, suspecting or witnessing abuse of an older person. To contact the Elder Abuse Helpline call 1300 651 192.
For more information about elder abuse, visit Elder abuse | Seniors | Queensland Government.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
