Fake nurse steals from purses and bags left unattended in hospitals, Texas cops say

A woman is posing as a nurse and stealing from multiple hospitals and medical clinics in Texas, police say.

Authorities are now searching for the woman, who has worn scrubs or administration clothing during her accused thefts across the Houston and Galveston area, the University of Texas Medical Branch Police Department said in a June 4 news release.

Police said she has often worn an “official-looking identification badge” during the thefts. The department shared multiple photos of the woman, seen wearing a mask to conceal her face.

She is accused of stealing wallets, cash and other valuables from unattended purses in the waiting rooms and lounges in the medical facilities, KHOU reported.

Jayme Durbin, a nurse practitioner in Houston, said in May the woman ran from her facility after being caught in action. Other clinics, Durbin said, weren’t as lucky.

“It is absolutely ridiculous this is what we have to watch out for in between seeing patients and making sure our offices are locked every time we walk out,” Durbin said in a Facebook post.

A police spokesperson said the woman has gained illegal access to at least nine medical facilities, according to The Daily News in Galveston. She’s believed to use rental cars to drive to and from the hospitals.

There is no evidence she has stolen medication or gained access to patient areas, according to The Daily News.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeff Rupert at 409-772-5692.

This story was originally published June 5, 2024 at 8:47 AM with the headline "Fake nurse steals from purses and bags left unattended in hospitals, Texas cops say."