Stolen Medical Supplies Arrest

Financial Crimes Squad detectives have charged a woman in relation to the stealing of medical supplies from a northern suburbs hospital.

It will be alleged the woman, who is employed by a university and attended the hospital to assist with managing and mentoring students on a work placement, stole items of ‘personal protective equipment’ such as face masks and other items for her own personal use.

It will be further alleged several items were stolen from the hospital on Wednesday 4 March 2020 and Friday 6 March 2020. The matter was reported to WA Police Force by hospital management and an investigation commenced.

Yesterday, Thursday 12 March 2020, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Carine. Several items of interest to the investigation were seized, including approximately 60 face masks, bottles of antiseptic hand wash, hospital grade antiseptic wipes and a large quantity of antiseptic swabs.

A 65-year-old woman from Carine has been charged with three stealing offences. She is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Monday 16 March 2020.

A WA Police Force spokesperson said while stealing medical supplies is a crime regardless of the circumstances, it is concerning to see critical medical supplies stolen from a medical facility as the community prepares for and responds to an emerging pandemic situation.

“Staff working in medical facilities are on the frontline of the critical response to health situations and the medical supplies they hold are used to protect themselves and their patients from the spread of potentially harmful viruses. At a time when those medical professionals need their protective equipment the most, it is disappointing to find ourselves in a position where we are required to investigate the alleged theft of such items.”

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