Wheelchair theft has left man stranded

A THIEF has stolen a specialist wheelchair costing thousands of pounds from a Tyneside home.

The 27-year-old owner has significant brain damage and his mum says whoever is responsible has also stolen his ability to live a normal life.

He had only recently received the chair and has been told it could take years for him to get another one like it.

The chair was left in the front garden of the home on Carnaby Road, in Walker, while the owner was helped into the house at around 8pm on Sunday evening.

When they returned to collect it from the garden just a few minutes later, it was gone.

Officers are now appealing for help from the public to locate the custom-made chair.

PC Andrew Hayes said: “This theft has had a huge impact on the owner and his family as they rely on it every single day.

“It was custom built for its owner and will look larger than a normal wheelchair with specialist supporting bars fitted to it.

“We would appeal to those responsible for this theft to just think about the impact it has had on the family and find it in their hearts to return it.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 1140 26/11/17, alternatively you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.