Corio man arrested over hospital patient robberies

Alex de Vos
Police have charged a 34-year-old Corio man over the theft of valuables from patients’ bedsides at Melbourne hospitals.
Carlton Police sergeant Monique Kelley said Darryn Edwards was captured on security footage at five of the city’s biggest hospitals stealing cash, phones and laptops.
Sgt Kelley said police had charged Edwards with 12 counts of theft and deception over the use of stolen credit cards.
He allegedly targeted Royal Melbourne, Royal Women’s, St Vincent’s, Melbourne Private and Alfred hospitals during the stealing rampage.
Sgt Kelley said Edwards preyed on patients while they were away from their beds.
She described his bedside raids as “horrible”.
“You’re in hospital trying to get better and to have someone go through your room is not very nice at all,” Sgt Kelley said.
“Hospital security does its best but it can’t ask everybody why they’re there.”
Sgt Kelley alleged the thief struck at least 15 times since December, mainly swiping wallets and purses.
Edwards was in Melbourne to purchase drugs and had a history of similar offences, she said.
“He was on bail for stealing from Melbourne hospitals.”
Sgt Kelley said police were also hunting his accomplice who had been identified on security footage.
“We know he has a co-offender that we know of but we can’t find them.”
Sgt Kelley said police arrested Edwards was arrested on April 12.
He was set to appear in Melbourne Magistrate’s Court at a later date.