Woman pretended to be nurse to steal from wheelchair-bound residents and smiled at CCTV cameras

A woman has admitted stealing a laptop, handbag and wallet after breaking into a supported living home and lying to wheelchair-bound residents claiming to be a nurse. Danielle Mills broke into the facility on Shelley Square in Southend to steal multiple items while waving and smiling at security cameras.

The incident took place on April 9 this year where the 41-year-old entered flats within the facility and pretended to residents that she was a nurse, before stealing multiple items including a laptop, a handbag and a wallet.

Police officers tracked Mills down and on Saturday April 27 and arrested her, and she was then charged with one count of burglary from a dwelling and theft. Mills, of West Road, Westcliff, appeared at Southend Magistrates Court on Monday (April 29) where she admitted the crimes.

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She will appear at Basildon Crown Court on June 3 to be sentenced. Detective Constable Zak Steggles said: “Mills targeted vulnerable people with many residents at this facility being bed bound or wheelchair bound.

"Whilst in the address, Mills smiled and waved at CCTV cameras within the property. When shown this footage during interview, Mills turned to face the wall and refused to watch it. Despite her lack of cooperation, officers were able secure a charge against her.

“Burglary is such a distressing crime and we are committed to hold those who offend accountable for their actions. In 2023, we facilitated more than 1000 arrests for burglary offences and this year, we have seen a significant reduction in offences for residential burglary.”