KEY POINTS:
Police have described as the lowest of the low a pair who allegedly preyed on the elderly in rest homes.
The woman, 38, and a man, 47, were arrested yesterday over burglaries and fraud at the Christchurch homes over the past several months.
The pair also face a charge of spraying a staff member at a rest home who confronted them with Mace or a similar substance.
Detective Sergeant Greg Cottam said the residents of rest homes deserved respect and dignity.
"And these offenders were despicable and the lowest of the low."
Age Concern Canterbury said that while most rest home residents did not keep a lot of cash or valuables, burglaries could be very distressing for them.
"In many cases it may be the first situation where they have been a victim of crime," said chief executive Andrew Dickerson.
"The challenge for rest home owners is to ... maintain the balance between keeping a homely environment and an environment in which people are secure."
The alleged burglars are due to appear in court today, and are expected to face further charges relating to other burglaries still under investigation.
