Hidden Camera Pen Catches Thief Red-Handed

A carer has been jailed after a surveillance camera hidden in a pen caught her stealing thousands of pounds from an elderly couple.

Lisa Mitchell, 38, helped herself to £35,000 in cash over four years when she worked for 81-year-old Sheila Read, who had dementia, at their home in Dereham, Norfolk.

But the couple's son, Allan Read, suspected money was disappearing so he set up the secret CCTV camera in the pen and strategically placed it in an office in the house, Norfolk Police said.

Mitchell was filmed on two occasions in the office, which she had no reason to be in.

The footage showed her going through a desk and the elderly man's wallet.

Allan Read had made a note of serial numbers on the bank notes, which police used along with the images to prove the offence.

Mitchell, of Masefield Mews, Dereham, pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 18 months at Norwich Crown Court.

Detective Constable Gemma Weeks said Mitchell used the stolen cash to buy jewellery and designer handbags.

"Over four years Lisa Mitchell took advantage of an elderly couple whom she was trusted to care for," she said.

"She thought nothing of helping herself to their personal money and cash from their family business, which she spent on jewellery and designer handbags.

"Even when presented with CCTV evidence, Mitchell denied stealing from this vulnerable couple, and could not account for living beyond her means.

"Over and above the financial impact of her crime is the emotional one, particularly when it appeared that Mitchell was searching for money instead of caring for the elderly lady."

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