A woman who allegedly stole from the bedsides of hospital patients in a "predatory" spree has been arrested.
The 30-year-old woman, who is also waiting to be sentenced for stealing from open homes, is believed to have committed 16 offences at Auckland and Hamilton hospitals between January 12 and March 24.
During the alleged spree, patients had their belongings stolen from their bedsides while they were undergoing treatment.
“The suspect targeted vulnerable people, allegedly stealing personal items and credit cards from their hospital bedsides," Acting Inspector CJ Miles said.
The woman was accused of using the stolen credit cards for purchases totalling $50,000.
“Her predatory offending only exacerbated the existing hardships of her victims,” Miles said.
Miles said the woman was "quickly identified" but actively avoided police, resulting in an arrest warrant.
She was found and arrested by police in Māngere last Tuesday.
The woman would appear in the Waitakere District Court on May 11, charged with six counts of burglary, one count of property theft, and nine offences relating to the use of stolen credit cards.
She was also waiting to be sentenced on 17 charges related to thefts from open homes across north and west Auckland.
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