Measures to allay care safety fears (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Measures to allay care safety fears

8:48am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in Our View By Telegraph & Argus

The vile rape of an 86-year-old woman by a sick and callous teenager understandably sent shockwaves across the country.

The depravity shown by Dale Boocock was beyond belief, and one can only hope and pray that the warning he may never be released comes true.

His actions on that dreadful night, that he may very well remain a serious danger to the public and the knowledge that his attack probably contributed to the later death of his frail victim, all mean that would be a fitting punishment.

But it is important not to let our natural revulsion over what occurred obscure other aspects of this matter.

Boocock and Boocock alone is, of course, responsible for his evil deeds, but the fact that he was able to gain access to the Bradford care home where his victim lay, and drag her from her bed undetected, raised serious concerns.

So today it is pleasing to learn that the home has been working with police, council protection officers and industry watchdogs to see what improvements needed to be made.

A number of measures have now been introduced, including more frequent checks on residents, and CCTV is soon to be installed, all of which will hopefully reassure residents and their loved ones.

It is, though, a sorry state of affairs when we are discussing the best way to protect care homes for the elderly from intruders.