My grandma is 96 and in good physical and mental health. No indications of dementia. She lives alone and is very independent. My mum (her daughter) speaks to her daily and visits for several hours 2-3 times per week. Grandma has been widowed for 45 years, worked in accounts, then ran her own business, and has always handled her money well.
My cousin who lives locally (her granddaughter) does her food shopping once a week. My grandma gives her her card to pay with and it's always in the sane shop and for around the same price each week.
My grandma recently mentioned that she thinks some money is missing from her account. My mum has secured power of attorney and has spoken to the fraud team at the bank. They have investigated and have confirmed that the card has not been cloned and that on the same day each week money is being withdrawn from cash points around the town using the correct PIN. Only my grandma and cousin know this PIN.
Appx £5k has gone over a few months. My parents have searched my grandmas house but there is so sign of the withdrawals there. It's also highly unlikely that grandma could have got to some of the withdrawal locations since she does not drive or use taxis. She's also not forgetful. She's been worrying about it for a while but has eventually told my mum.
The withdrawals are always made on the same day, which coincides with visits from my cousin who grandma reports pops in, goes to visit a friend then returns a short while later... long enough to take the card, get a withdrawal then return.
My parents are in a state worrying how to handle this. My cousin is single, 41. My mum's sibling- her sister died and she has a cordial but distant relationship with my uncle. My parents are worried that my cousin could have an addiction problem - gambling or drugs which is fuelling the theft and so are being open minded and empathetic but also want to get to the bottom of it.
they're keen to be supportive rather than go to the police. I just don't know. There is still a chance of an unknown logical explanation so how this is handled is critical. I'm also mindful that they protect their position- if my cousin has been stealing my my grandma, she stands to inherit half of my grandmas assists in her will. Not sure that would be right especially if she does have an addiction and my parents would need the police report to document any challenge on that. God it's a mess!!
Grateful for any advice