Disabled man’s anger after mobility scooter stolen from garden

FIFE: Pensioner left stranded as lifeline cruelly taken away in ‘targeted attack’

A disabled pensioner says he has been left dismayed and disgusted after thieves broke into his home and stole his mobility scooter.

The culprits took the £2,500 Pride Colt Deluxe scooter from James Madden’s home in Ettrick Way in the Macedonia area of Glenrothes in what he thinks was a targeted attack.

Mr Madden, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), said he has been left stranded as he can only walk a few paces at a time because of his illness.

“The mobility scooter changed my life and has been my lifeline with the outside world since I got it two years ago, allowing me independence despite my disability to go to the shops and socialise.

“I’m disgusted someone could do such a thing.

“It looks like the scooter was specifically targeted rather than an opportunist theft as I keep access to my

“I grew up in the area and I don’t recall anything as low as this before.

JAMES MADDEN JNR

garden bolted at night and nothing else of value was taken.

“The police are now investigating the theft and I’d urge others who may have family members with similar scooters to stay vigilant.”

Mr Madden’s son, James Jnr, said the family is shocked by the theft and urged anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously to come forward.

“I can’t understand how someone can be so heartless as to steal something which is obviously vital to a disabled person’s livelihood. They are just scumbags.

“The scooter has allowed my dad to continue to get around and see his pals and gives him a continued element of independence, which has now been taken away.”

He said he has been overwhelmed by the level of public support since he posted an appeal on social media for information.

“Right-minded people are obviously as disgusted as we are and I posted information of the theft to make the scooter too hot to be able to be passed on and warn others who may also be a target.

“I grew up in the area and I don’t recall anything as low as this before.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Inquiries into this theft are currently under way.”

Picture: Steve Brown James Madden’s mobility scooter was stolen from his back garden.