Sleeping Oak Bay senior startled awake by thief in her care centre suite

A thiefentered an Oak Bay, B.C., senior's care centre on Friday and stole money, a passport and a purse from a resident while she was napping, according to police.

The resident was startled awake by the theft, which happened around 5:30 pm PT and confronted the suspect, who then fled.

"Its a pretty reprehensible act to steal from our most vulnerable but some people will stop at nothing," said Oak BayDeputy Chief Ray Bernoties.

Oak Bay Police tweeted an image of the suspect Wednesday, and within moments, received calls about her identity.

"It's just a matter of time before we have her in our custody," said Bernoties.

Police say the centre is a large, busy place with people coming and going and it not hard to see how someone could easily getinto the locked front door.

"This woman will no doubt feel less safe than she did Friday morning," saidBernoties

Anyone with information is asked to call Oak Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.