Community ‘disgusted’ by theft of veteran’s scooter
AN ARMY veteran has been left stranded after his mobility scooter was stolen from outside his house in a ‘disgusting’ theft.
The 74-year-old has to leave the scooter outside his Brinnington bungalow - but inside a fenced sheltered housing compound - as it does not fit through his front door.
But a gang of three thieves stole it after one climbed over the fence and let the other two in through a security gate.
Police have now appealed for witnesses and are looking at ways to replace the scooter, something which would cost at least £1,000.
PC Louise Butterley, a Brinnington neighbourhood officer, said: “We are all disgusted by this, ex-serviceman or not it is stealing from an elderly person.
“No doubt when people find out about this they will be disgusted too and that will motivate them to pass any information on that they may know. It wasn’t in a communal area, there was no mistaking this belonged to an elderly person. It’s very odd, they can’t have taken it just for a laugh as it is not funny.”
The theft of the red Colt mobility scooter happened on Falmouth Crescent on March 1 at around 9.45pm.
It was by three males who are described as wearing sports clothing with hoods up.
The victim, who does not want to be named, needs the scooter as he has heart problems and diabetes, which have left him with limited mobility.
He served with the Royal Tank Regiment for 22 years from 1963 to 1985.
PC Butterley has written to the Royal British Legion to see if it can help provide a replacement.
She said: “This is the second time he has had his mobility scooter stolen and he is upset someone would do this. He relies heavily on it to get around.
“It isn’t typical for Brinnington, which has a strong community spirit, so it is horrifying. It is possible the offenders are local.
“Knowing the community like we do we are hopeful that those responsible will be named and action can then be taken.”
Anyone with information can contact PC Butterley on 856 5902, at 11999@gmp.police.uk or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.