Elder abuse investigation leads to arrests in Thunder Bay

A stock photo of a desperate senior crying in a dark room. (File photo/Hartmut Kosig/iStockPhoto)

A personal support worker has been charged following a Thunder Bay police investigation into alleged thefts targeting an elderly individual.

Police said they received a report in March about suspected recurring thefts from the residence of a vulnerable person. A Crimes Against Seniors investigator was assigned to the case, leading to the identification of a suspect who worked as a personal support worker.

On May 16, a 45-year-old woman was charged with eight counts of being unlawfully in a dwelling and theft. She was released with conditions after a court appearance and is scheduled to return at a later date.

A second individual was also charged with being unlawfully in a dwelling.

“This particular incident demonstrates an issue where personal support workers, or imposters, exploit their unsupervised access to the homes of elderly or otherwise vulnerable individuals,” the Thunder Bay Police Service said in a news release.

Authorities are urging family members and friends to speak with vulnerable individuals about potential risks and to remain vigilant for signs of wrongdoing.

Anyone with information related to similar incidents is asked to contact Det. Const. Kevin Middleton at [phone] or Crime Stoppers.

Further information and resources to protect against elder abuse can be found here.