Career in the fraud scandal: 11,000 euros stolen from a senior woman!

Career in the fraud scandal: 11,000 euros stolen from a senior woman!

Steiermark, Österreich - In Styria, a 52-year-old nursing assistant was charged with the theft of 11,000 euros from the apartment of an 86-year-old, seriously ill woman. The victim's daughter had set up a thief trap that led to the indictment. At first the accused denied the allegations, but later admitted that he had taken smaller amounts of 15 and 20 euros. There are tape recordings on which she admits that he had stolen something, but claimed that she was blackmailed. The judge of the accused presented this evidence, including 200 euros, which she had returned after the thief trap.

In addition, the nursing assistant is accused of misappropriating funds from a client in her role as an adult representative. Here, among other things, it is said to have bought clothes, a television and a washing machine worth over 2,500 euros. A diversion offer in the same height was rejected by the woman, which led to the criminal proceedings continued. At the moment, the accused has received a conditional prison sentence of two months that is not yet final. The judge also pointed out that she should no longer work with elderly people in the future.

The increasing thefts in care facilities

The case of the Styrian nursing assistant is not isolated. Another incident in Switzerland illustrates the problem of thefts in senior centers. A nursing assistant was charged with theft and trespassing after jewelry worth around CHF 3,000 had been stolen from two apartments, while the residents were in the hospital. The prosecutor had asked for a long national reference, but the court decided not to show the man due to a personal hardship.

No stolen goods could be ensured during a house search, but a forbidden electric shocker was found. The accused, who was the only suspect in the empty apartments in both cases, was sanctioned with a conditional fine of CHF 3,600 and an additional bus. He then terminated his employment in the senior center and took a new position in a Spitex organization, whereby he threatened that he could no longer work in his original industry in the coming years.

risks and prevention in care facilities

The numerous thefts in nursing homes and hospitals raise questions about security and prevention. The special situation in such facilities makes thieves easier to access, since open stations and a variety of visitors often make an overview. Patients often leave their rooms for examinations, which leaves valuable things backwards.

In order to counteract such incidents, many clinics are sensitized and inform patients about theft risks. Facilities often offer lockers or safes for safe custody. In addition, patients to protect their valuables can take some simple measures. This includes not bringing any larger quantities of cash or valuable jewelry and always to complete bags.

Overall, these cases illustrate the need for improved security management in care facilities in order to maintain the trust of the elderly and their relatives. The increasing incidents show that preventive measures and increased sensitization are essential in both nursing staff as well as in patients and relatives.