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A 65-year-old woman has been charged with stealing face masks, antiseptic hand wash and other medical supplies from a Perth hospital.
Key points:
- The woman was at the hospital to mentor work experience students
- She allegedly took 60 masks, antiseptic hand wash, swabs and other items
- Police recovered the items, but they now cannot be used
It is alleged the woman stole 60 face masks, bottles of antiseptic hand wash, hospital grade antiseptic wipes and a large quantity of antiseptic swabs.
Police say the items were taken for her personal use.
They were recovered following an investigation by Financial Crimes Squad detectives and a subsequent raid on a home in the Perth suburb of Carine.
It is alleged the woman, who works for a university, stole the items from a northern suburbs' hospital on Wednesday and Friday last week.
Police said she was at the hospital to mentor students who were undertaking work experience.
'Disappointing' alleged theft comes amid pandemic
A police spokeswoman said it was concerning to see critical medical supplies stolen as the community prepares for an emerging pandemic situation.
"Staff working in medical facilities are on the frontline of the critical response to health situations and the medical supplies they hold are used to protect themselves and their patients from the spread of potentially harmful viruses," she said.
"At a time when those medical professionals need their protective equipment the most, it is disappointing to find ourselves in a position where we are required to investigate the alleged theft of such items."
It is understood the recovered medical supplies could not be used as they would be considered contaminated.
There is a global shortage of face masks and other supplies that has prompted the World Health Organisation to urge people not to hoard such items.
WA Health Minister Roger Cook said he welcomed the police taking action.
"This is a despicable act at a time when the community needs to be pulling together," he said.
"I hope that if these charges are found to be accurate that then the full force of the law is brought to bear."
Topics: infectious-diseases-other, law-crime-and-justice, perth-6000, wa