A police officer tasked with helping a vulnerable pensioner who had $14,000 stolen from her bank cards went on to steal a further $68,000 from her. Victim told to contact policeIn July last year, the then-officer was stationed in a small Waikato town as its community liaison officer. The officer went to the woman’s house eight more times, and, without her knowledge, used her mobile phone to access her online banking. On October 20, the victim went to her bank in a distressed state, advising that a substantial sum had gone from her account. The next day, the officer went to the victim’s house twice.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 15, 2026 22:40 UTC