Bank card of vulnerable and wheelchair-bound man from Alnwick area used to buy iPad, laptop and a hotel stay

In March, carers who looked after the vulnerable and wheelchair bound victim from the Alnwick area contacted Northumbria Police to report his bank card stolen.

The report came following the arrival of an erratic bank statement, which showed pricey purchases including an iPad, laptop, a hotel stay, crockery and even a bathroom sink unit.

While investigating the theft, it was discovered that two men known to the victim had ‘liked’ the Facebook page of the hotel that the card had been used to book.

And last week two men, aged 50 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Meanwhile, a successful home search was carried out with dozens of goods purchased with the stolen card seized.

The victim’s bank have also refunded him for the purchases.

Detective Sergeant David Humble of Northumbria Police said: “We are fiercely passionate and committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

“To fraudulently use any person’s bank card to treat yourself and purchase your every whim and desire is completely unacceptable but to steal from a vulnerable person is especially disgusting behaviour.

“Thanks to the efforts of the team, two people have now been arrested and the ill-gotten gains from the shopping spree have been seized.”

He added: “Please look out for your vulnerable friends and family if you notice erratic or seemingly incorrect bank statements, please contact the bank and police.”

The two men arrested have been released under investigation and inquiries continue.

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