Bit of a strange one

[ohcheeseandrice]

It's our bin day tomorrow and with the windows open I could hear something rummaging through our bins. I look outside and there's a lady going through our bins!?
She must has been about sixty plus not obviously homeless wearing very bright clothing and her shoes are covered in plastic bags.
We've asked her if she's okay and she looked shocked saying she was leaving now.
What do we do, she hanging around the street looking a bit confused, I don't think it's a matter for the police

I think it is a case for the police but non emergency number. Sounds like the lady might have dementia or something?

If it’s dementia, or something similar, the police will help find her home/relatives. I would consider calling them to help her, not to arrest her!

Dh spoke to her and said she had quite a thick accent, she seems to be arranging herself now as if she has something under her clothes. I did think dementia at first, I'm not really sure on the signs though

I'd contact non emergency, i'd say possibly dementia.

Might be worth giving a call either way?

What area is this if you could say op as there's a woman around here same description eating out the bins!

@anitagreen it's south west wales

Knowing quite a few people with dementia, this would be my first guess.
Ring 101 and maybe go out and keep her company till they arrive.

Ah I'm south west London! My heart sank then lol. Defo ring 101 she could be lost or ill or something x

Does she have any belongings with her? Mobile phone or a handbag with anything that might help identify her?

Its up to you really - I had a similar situation, managed to find the lady's adress, took her home then contacted family to come round.

If you're more comfortable doing so, call 101 and the police will help get her to safety and find out who she is - if she seems vulenerable it might be helpful if you keep chatting or offer a drink so she doesn't disappear!

I did ring our local station, told them what we saw. I haven't heard anything back but I live in the centre of a town so there were loads of directions she could have gone
I would recognise her again so I will look out for any signs that she might need some help.
She didn't have any visible belongings but she was wearing loads of layers including the bags around her shoes