Aged care facilities urged to step up security

Aged care facilities have been warned to make security a priority after one was burgled last weekend.

Electrical and personal items were stolen from the dementia-specific aged care facility Juniper Hillcrest in Geraldton on Saturday.

The number plates of a car with two women in it were noted. Police later stopped a vehicle in Rangeway and recovered the items.

A 40-year-old Karloo woman and a Rangeway woman, 32, have been charged with various offences.

A Juniper Hillcrest spokesperson confirmed the incident but did not wish to comment further.

“It happened, but we will leave this to the police and the courts, ” the person said.

However, a senior administrator in aged care homes issued a tip to employees.

“Be aware at all times. It only takes seconds for somebody to enter and exit an aged care home and get away with plenty,” the official said.

“I have heard about it so often ... and I have seen it.

“I realise employees and volunteers at these centres have so much to do — but it is essential they keep a watch out for people who shouldn’t be there.

“And then there is the duty of care for our residents. We wouldn’t want anybody entering their rooms. Anything could happen.”