Auckland and Waikato hospital thief accused of $50k credit card spree

A serial thief allegedly targeted vulnerable hospital patients while they underwent treatment, stealing credit cards from their bedsides to spend about $50,000.

Police have arrested a 30-year-old woman who was wanted for a spate of dishonesty offences across hospitals in Auckland and Waikato earlier this year.

Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector CJ Miles, said the offending spree allegedly involved the theft of patients’ belongings while they were undergoing treatment.

‘Predatory offending’

Police said they are aware of 16 offences committed between January 12 and March 24.

The suspect targeted “vulnerable people” and allegedly stole personal items and credit cards from their hospital bedsides.

“She then used the stolen credit cards for purchases totalling approximately $50,000.

“Her predatory offending only exacerbated the existing hardships of her victims,” Miles said.

Miles said that while the alleged offender was quickly identified, she actively avoided the police, and a warrant for arrest was issued.

“Despite trying to avoid detection, Waitematā East Police located the offender in Māngere last Tuesday, and she was subsequently arrested.”

Miles said this was a fantastic result from the inquiry team, who persisted in tracking down the prolific offender.

The 30-year-old woman will appear in Waitakere District Court on May 11.

She has been charged with six counts of burglary, one count of property theft, and nine offences relating to the use of stolen credit cards.

Miles said she is also awaiting sentencing on 17 charges relating to thefts from open homes across the Waitematā District last year.

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