Elderly person had money taken

[blueST]

A bit wordy, but I wanted to set the scene. My Wife has an elderly relative (her Mums cousin) who is in her 80s. She's still mostly independent, but health is not what it was and she had a stroke earlier this year that has restricted her mobility quite a bit. As a consequence she has been relying on other people to help out with her shopping, mostly my Wife and her Father.

It has come to light today that she also was offered help by a neighbour. She foolishly let him use her bank card to do some shopping for her. On receiving her bank statement it turns out he also did some shopping and cash withdrawal for himself to the tune of a £1000. She has confronted him about this and he apparently didn't deny it and said he would pay her back, but no money has appeared and now he's not answering the phone or responding to messages.

Predictably the bank and Age UK have both advised her that it's tough luck as she willingly gave her card and PIN over. I completely understand the bank's position.

Is there any point in her pursuing this with the police or anyone else? Whilst she must bare some blame for handing over access to her account that shouldn't give someone the right to take advantage of what I would think of as a vulnerable person.

[InitialDave]

Do you know who the person is specifically, or just "a neighbour"?

[singlecoil]

Almost certainly a complete waste of time. Write it off, lesson learned.

[Planet Claire]

You can contact her local authority adult safeguarding team. You may be able to log the concern online, otherwise you'll have to wait until Monday morning when the office opens.

[blueST]

InitialDave said:

Do you know who the person is specifically, or just "a neighbour"?

I don’t know this person, but she would know where they live. They are an actual neighbour of hers as far as I know.

[blueST]

Planet Claire said:

You can contact her local authority adult safeguarding team. You may be able to log the concern online, otherwise you'll have to wait until Monday morning when the office opens.

Thanks, I will look into that.

[zarjaz1991]

Get the police involved, it’s straight theft.

They may claim not to be interested but push it.

[bitchstewie]

Surely it's theft plain and simple?

[Simpo Two]

I was thinking MCOL (someone would have to do it for her obviously) but there's no real evidence and he'd deny it.

[zarjaz1991]

It’s theft. Therefore criminal. Therefore police matter.

The lady has been the victim of a criminal act.

[autumnsum]

Why don't people phone the police in these situations?!

[blueST]

autumnsum said:

Why don't people phone the police in these situations?!

Because on phoning the bank and Age UK she was told it was her fault, nothing to be done. My Wife’s going to ring the cops and see what they say

[soad]

autumnsum said:

Why don't people phone the police in these situations?!

It’s not the 90’s anymore.

[zarjaz1991]

blueST said:

Because on phoning the bank and Age UK she was told it was her fault, nothing to be done. My Wife’s going to ring the cops and see what they say

Age UK saying that is appalling victim blaming.

[Jamescrs]

It is a Police matter, it ahould be taken on my the Adult Safeguarding team and possibly a local PCSO would also get involved simply in terms of keeping an eye on her, who knows the neighbour may have done this to others too?

Granted it won't get her the cash back but it needs reporting as he may be doing it to others too

[eldar]

Absolutely police matter. Thru should take it seriously as this delightful specimen demonstrates.

'Despicable' Maryport woman Louise Barber jailed for burglaries https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-6675...


Failing that, a couple of people to nip round and remove his mickey.

[98elise]

zarjaz1991 said:

It’s theft. Therefore criminal. Therefore police matter.

The lady has been the victim of a criminal act.

This. Having access to someone's account doesn't change that. It's no different to having access to someone's purse or wallet, and helping your self to the contents.

[MrBen986]

Has anyone actually gone to see this person? I'm the least violent person around and not advocating more than a few large guys visiting and asking him when he's going to be paying her back. It may get nowhere, but he sounds like a bully and may well wet himself when faced with somebody bigger than him?

[blueST]

MrBen986 said:

Has anyone actually gone to see this person? I'm the least violent person around and not advocating more than a few large guys visiting and asking him when he's going to be paying her back. It may get nowhere, but he sounds like a bully and may well wet himself when faced with somebody bigger than him?

That might be so, but I'm no dominator of.landings and given the area its in I'll pass. I'm not the sort of.person who knows any handy types who might help me out either.

[carreauchompeur]

Leave it. Let the dust settle.
Then break his legs.