Arrest after stealing from hospital patient, visitors and staff

Rapid Apprehension Squad (RAS) detectives have charged a man and a woman with 83 offences as a result of their investigation into stealing incidents from staff, visitors and patients at hospitals.

It will be alleged on Sunday 14 January 2024, the two accused persons entered a ward at a city hospital and stole a purse containing cash and debit card, as well as earrings and a necklace from an 82-year-old patient.

The offenders then used the victims debit card in 81 alleged separate fraudulent transactions in various stores.

It is further alleged on Saturday 3 February 2024, the two accused persons entered a hospital in Nedlands where they entered a restricted room which is only accessible via a swipe card, and stole a staff member’s bag and left. They alleged used the victim’s bank card in seven separate fraudulent transactions at various stores.

It will also be alleged the two accused persons were involved in a number of other stealing incidents from hospitals and vehicles, resulting in further fraudulent transactions being done.

During the investigation a vehicle of interest was identified and RAS detectives stopped the vehicle in East Perth and took the two accused into custody. A search warrant was executed at the couples Woodbridge home where officers allegedly located and seized items of interest.

A 43-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman, both from Woodbridge are due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court today, Wednesday 21 February 2024.

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