Carer jailed for stealing from elderly

21 January 2011, 16:56 | Updated: 21 January 2011, 16:59

A carer who stole jewellery from elderly women she was looking after has been jailed.

Beverley Warner, 51, raided the homes of two vulnerable women, aged 90 and 84, in the Poppyfields assisted-living complex in Chapman Way, Eynesbury, in August.

She tried to cover her deception by joining in the search for the missing items which included a 67-year-old engagement ring and a Queen Victoria sovereign on a gold chain.

Warner, of Cornwallis Drive, Eaton Socon, took the hoard to a St Neots jeweller in a bid to cash in. But she was caught on the store's CCTV.

Police were called in and officers found some of the stolen property at the jewellers, some other items had already been melted down.

The CCTV in the shop confirmed Warner had been involved and she was arrested.

Warner pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and was jailed for 10 months at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

Detective Constable Andrew Gaunt-Warner, who led the investigation, said: "This was a breach of trust of the worst kind - a carer preying on the vulnerability of those she was supposed to be caring for.

"Warner breached the trust placed in her by her employer and her victims to steal jewellery which had huge sentimental value.

"Thankfully this type of crime is rare, however our response shows how seriously such offences are taken.

"I would like to thank the management and staff at the care home who have been very supportive throughout this investigation."