By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 12:48, Wednesday, 05 September 2012

A carer stole gold jewellery from an 83-year-old woman she was looking after and sold it for cash.

Fifty-year-old Lynne Bowe worked as a home carer for Cumbria Care for more than 10 years, city magistrates heard, when she swiped the necklace from her victim’s home in Great Corby.

The court heard that Bowe, who admitted theft, snatched the £2,700 necklace from a bedside table, put it in her pocket and left the house. Once the woman realised what had happened, between August 13 and 14, she contacted police.

Bowe, from Carlisle, was arrested on August 24 and officers later found out she had traded the necklace for £1,000 and it was sent away to be melted down.

She admitted the theft when interviewed by police and was suspended from her role as a home carer at Cumbria Care.

Bowe appeared before magistrates yesterday and was given an 18-week sentence, suspended for two years.

She was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £2,700 compensation to the elderly lady.

PC Sarah Rolland, the investigating officer, said the necklace had been a great loss to the victim as she was unable to get it back.

“It is stark reminder that we should always be aware of the temptation to some people who come into our homes, who we trust to care for us, can steal from us,” she warned.

“I encourage all family members and neighbours to make sure that vulnerable and elderly people are aware of the potential risks in leaving valuable items out on show and highly recommend that they are always locked away.”

PC Rowland said Cumbria Care had taken immediate action when police made them aware of the investigation.

“This was a breach of trust, Bowe had been employed by Cumbria Care in a trusting role, who as faith in their employees,” she added.

“The actions of one individual should not reflect badly on Cumbria Care and the important service they provide to members of our community.”

VBrenan@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 05 September 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk