HEARTLESS
■ Cruel thieves steal 73-yearold’s lifeline mobility scooter
A pensioner has spoken of her heartbreak after her mobility scooter was stolen from outside her home by heartless criminals.
Betty Andrews has lived in the city’s Benedict Court for eight years – but has been left stuck indoors due to the loss of her scooter, which was taken from a locked storage unit on the premises.
The 73-year-old mum of-three has slammed the “shameless” criminals for targeting older people who rely on their scooters.
Three were stolen in the same incident.
She told the Echo: “They must have no shame at all, it makes me feel sick – disgusting.”
Another Benedict Court resident, who did not wish to be named, also spoke of her upset following the thefts, which she said affect people’s livelihoods.
Mrs Andrews said Benedict Court is a “lovely” place to live.
However, without her scooter, she can no longer leave her home.
Instead, she remains inside where she uses her walker to get around.
With Christmas just around the corner, Mrs Andrews has asked for money so she can afford to buy another scooter. The stolen one was second-hand.
She added: “We are all pensioners – we can’t afford to replace things like that.”
Northumbria Police confirmed inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
A force spokesman said: "We can confirm we are investigating a burglary of a shed at Benedict Court in Sunderland.
“Between 9am and 11.30am on Monday someone forced entry to the shed and stole three mobility scooters.
“Inquiries to locate the scooters, and the person responsible for the theft, are ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting log 388 18/11/19.”
The properties at Benedict Court, Park Lane, are managed by the Gentoo Group.
Michelle Meldrum, executive director of operations at Gentoo Group, added: “This is a matter for Northumbria Police and we will always work with them to solve crime.
“Although property that is left in this area is at the owner’s risk, we attended the residents’ meeting this week to reassure the residents and discuss the future security of the shed.”