97-Year-Old Victim: “It’s Memories That Have Disappeared”
A 97-year-old woman has fallen victim to a heartless theft, leaving her devastated and robbed of cherished memories. The culprit? A housekeeper employed to care for elderly individuals. The 50-year-old woman has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison for her despicable actions.
The incident occurred when the elderly woman fell ill and pressed her security alarm for help. Prompted by the alarm, a home service worker called for an ambulance. Seizing the opportunity, the housekeeper took advantage of the situation and ransacked the apartment, stealing a ring, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings. The stolen ring held sentimental value for the elderly lady, as she had purchased it in Thailand in the 1970s, while the bracelet was a precious inheritance from her mother.
In a police interrogation, the distraught 97-year-old revealed the emotional toll the incident had taken on her. She expressed sleepless nights and her inability to cope with being alone. “It’s memories that have disappeared,” she lamented.
However, this was not an isolated incident. Investigations have revealed that the housekeeper had been stealing from the elderly individuals she was meant to care for, setting up a devious scheme to pawn or sell the stolen valuables. Among her victims was an 86-year-old woman from whom she stole a pearl necklace, a 79-year-old man from whom she stole four paintings, a 90-year-old woman from whom she stole a silver spoon, and a 78-year-old woman from whom she stole a ring with a yellow stone.
The extent of her crimes became evident when the police discovered a treasure trove of stolen items in a basement storage room accessible to the housekeeper. The collection included jewelry, cutlery, watches, coins, banknotes, and even a painting, with an estimated value of over SEK 10,000. Although the police could not locate the rightful owners, the court is confident that these items are stolen property.
Throughout the legal proceedings, the housekeeper vehemently denied all allegations, claiming her interest in buying and selling jewelry as part of her culture. However, the court was unconvinced by her explanation. The woman, employed by a home care company in the Stockholm area, was found guilty of five cases of aggravated theft and one case of embezzlement. The district court handed her a sentence of one and a half years in prison, a judgment that the Court of Appeal upheld.
These thefts are considered particularly severe due to their systematic nature, as well as the fact that they occurred in the victims’ own homes. The housekeeper’s abuse of her position as a healthcare worker further aggravated the crimes.
As our elderly population grows, it becomes even more crucial to ensure their safety and protection. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with care can have malicious intentions. Vigilance and caution must be exercised when selecting home service workers, safeguarding the precious memories and possessions of our beloved seniors.