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AAP
AAP
Lloyd Jones

Elderly patients victim to 'horrible' alleged thieving

A woman has been charged with stealing from elderly surgery patients at Alice Springs Hospital. (David Mariuz/AAP PHOTOS)

A woman who allegedly stole from elderly patients in hospital faces multiple theft and deception charges labelled "horrible offending" by police.

Northern Territory police arrested the 30-year-old at Alice Springs Hospital on Saturday over a year-long series of thefts.

It is alleged that between November 2024 and December 2025 the woman attended the hospital and stole personal belongings of elderly victims recovering from serious surgical and medical interventions.

One victim died shortly after the offending occurred, police said.

The woman, who was not known to the victims, has been charged with seven counts of theft, 13 counts of obtaining a benefit by deception and one count of attempting to obtain a benefit by deception.

Acting Superintendent Deanne Ward said it was believed there were more victims and she urged people who had property stolen at the hospital to contact police.

"This is horrible offending that targeted the most vulnerable members of our community," Supt Ward said.

The woman was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.

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