news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [32]
UK

Carer jailed for stealing £8,000 jewellery from elderly client

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 15:28 · Archive

Lara Jones, 50, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing £8,000 of jewellery from an elderly client in Oxted, Surrey.

Lara Jones, 50, of Cowden Pound Road in Mark Beech, Kent, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of burglary at Guildford Crown Court on 9 October. The theft took place on 26 November during one of her shifts at the victim's home in Oxted, Surrey.

The victim's family became suspicious after discovering an earring at the top of the stairs following Jones' first shift. When they attempted to return it to the jewellery box, they realised other items were missing. Unable to confirm their suspicions, they installed hidden cameras in the bedroom before her next visit.

Jones was caught on hidden CCTV entering the client's bedroom and taking jewellery from drawers and wardrobes. She was recorded stealing more items during her second shift. The victim's daughter contacted police on 3 December, reporting that her father, who is elderly and vulnerable, had been alone at home with the carer who had been seen on CCTV taking items from the bedroom.

Officers attended the property, arrested Jones on suspicion of burglary, and recovered the stolen jewellery during a search. The victim's family said the violation of trust in their own home at such a vulnerable time was devastating, and that the emotional impact had been profound.

Detective Constable Jen Trudel, who led the investigation, said: 'The family were so disheartened that someone they let into their home to care for a loved one could be so heartless as to steal from them at the first opportunity.'

Carer jailed for stealing £8,000 jewellery from elderly client
Image: Croydon Guardian

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: Lara Jones · Oxted · Guildford Crown Court · Mark Beech · Kent · Surrey

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem