Investigation into woman who might have obtained over $50,000 by targeting elderly and vulnerable in Albany

Police are investigating at least five individual cases involving a woman in her 20s who is repeatedly obtaining money from elderly and vulnerable victims in Albany. Albany police issued a plea to the community on Tuesday about a woman who is known to beg for money around shopping centres and target people as they are withdrawing cash from ATMs. “In many instances the woman will attend the ATM to ‘assist’ the victim with withdrawing cash,” Albany police said on Tuesday. “On some occasions the woman has re-approached the victims at later dates and requested more money, or gained access to their bank accounts to withdraw funds herself.” The behaviour reportedly started more than two years ago, with police estimating the woman might have gained access to more than $50,000 in that period. While some of her actions are not illegal, such as begging, local police are fed up with reports of the woman intimidating vulnerable people and using a variety of strategies and stories to get money. Sen. Const. Dean Bristow said the elderly were her main target. “She starts off by begging at a shopping centre and it goes from there,” Sen. Const. Bristow said. “She will get them to drop her off somewhere and then once she gets their details, she starts visiting houses. The woman might ask to come inside for a drink or say that her family is sick and she needs money. “She comes at weird hours of the day, late at night, banging on doors and asking for help. “People are living in fear because of her, especially the elderly.” Police want to speak to anyone concerned about an interaction they have had with the woman — as well anyone who is the carer of a person who has unexplained money withdrawals. The woman is described as in her 20s and about 160cm tall, with a medium-large build, black hair, brown eyes, and brown skin. She usually presents as well-dressed and polite. Sen. Const. Bristow said if an incident was not reported quickly, it could be hard to track down security camera footage or gather other evidence. Anyone with information can call Albany police on 9892 9300, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.