THE number of reported offences committed in elderly care homes in Cumbria has almost doubled over the last four years, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
In 2016/17, there were 63 recorded crimes in the county’s care homes, up from 35 in 2013/14.
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Reports include 16 cases of sexual offences, 54 assaults, and more than 100 burglaries and thefts.
Westmorland and Lonsdale Liberal Democrat candidate Tim Farron said it was horrible to learn of the ‘catalogue’ of crimes inflicted on elderly care home residents in the county.
“The elderly and vulnerable deserve dignity and respect, and the peace of mind that comes from feeling safe,” he said.
“Instead, they have been victims of the most awful crimes, including sexual offences and assaults. It is utterly shocking that these crimes have taken place, and measures must be taken to ensure far greater protection for care home residents. Only the Lib Dems have a fully-funded plan for our social care system – putting a penny on income tax to fund a £20million boost to social care in Cumbria.”
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