THE Police and Crime Commissioner will look into a case of a caution issued as punishment for theft from a vulnerable care home resident after it was brought to his attention by the Western Telegraph.

A woman at a care home in Pembroke Dock had around £7,000 stolen from her by a staff member who had access to her bank card and details.

Other staff members were alerted by suspicious transactions on the woman’s bank statements and informed the police.

But they were appalled to discover that once caught the culprit was given a caution by police and paid the money back.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “This sounds like a distressing incident for a vulnerable individual. I will ask the Chief Constable for full details and an explanation as to how police officers dealt with the matter.

“On taking up office two years ago I was concerned over the level of cautions in Dyfed-Powys. I reviewed their use and a scrutiny panel was formed to offer independent views of whether decisions are appropriate and proportionate.

“The panel has considered 44 cases, with more than half being deemed inappropriate for out-of-court disposal. Learning points are shared with officers.

“Caution numbers are now falling but I will continue to closely monitor out-of-court disposals through the panel.”

A spokesman for Surehaven care home confirmed that the incident took place and said the facility had “acted accordingly”.

The member of staff was removed from her position and referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said: “Police received an allegation of the theft of a sum of money. Following an investigation a 21 year old female was given a conditional adult caution for the offence. The victim of the theft has been refunded.”