A brand new vehicle stolen from an aged care facility over the weekend has been found by police and returned to the home undamaged.
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Police say, "unknown offenders" forced their way into Rocky Ridge Aged Care Facility sometime between 7pm on Friday and 7am on Saturday.
Despite staff members on site and 25 residents asleep in their rooms at the back of the facility, vandals slashed screens to gain entry to offices, and stole a brand new white Toyota Camry - used by staff to take elderly people to appointments - electronics and cash.
Police say the vehicle was found abandoned on Martin Terrace, yesterday at around 11.30pm.
"There was no mention of damage to the vehicle and it was returned to the owners this morning," a NT Police spokeswoman said.
However, police say the offenders "remain outstanding", and an investigation is continuing.
The break-in follows a concerning incident at the aged care home, three kilometres from Katherine's centre, which left residents on high alert.
Elizabeth O'Connor, the manager of Australian Regional and Remote Community Services said an intruder who attempted to steal from a resident of the home just last week, had heightened concern.
"To pick on an aged care facility is a total disrespect for the impact," she told the Katherine Times on Saturday.
Stealing off old people, let alone respected community elders, is abhorrent behavior.
- Elizabeth O'Connor
Ms O'Connor said additional money will have to be spent on extra security measures, replacements and repairs.
Louvre window slats had been removed for access into the offices, screens had been slashed and the locked safe had been cleared of hundreds of dollars.
Anyone with information is asked to notify police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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