THIEVES who stole a mobility scooter from outside the home of a Spalding pensioner have been branded “despicable.”
Cindy Maddison came back to her apartment on the fourth floor of Harrington House, Broad Street, from an afternoon out to find that her scooter was missing.
It was bought by Mrs Maddison for about £800 last July after leaving hospital where she had an operation for cancer in her right leg.
The theft, which Lincolnshire Police believe took place some time after 2pm, has left Mrs Maddison devastated at the thought that the scooter may never be recovered.
She said: “My husband and I went out from 2pm until 4pm and when I came back, my scooter which is normally outside our front door, wasn’t there.
“I thought it was strange and my husband thought I’d gone out in it.
“The scooter was locked and the key was inside our apartment, but it’s the kind of scooter that you can switch to manual and push away like an ordinary wheelchair.
“We can’t think of anyone who would have taken it and it’s a despicable thing to do.”
The scooter is a red Victory model and is about four years old.
Mrs Maddison said: “I can walk a little way, but could get about with the scooter and use it for long trips.
“Without it, I can’t go down to the park or visit friends unless I’m being taken in a car.
“A policeman who came to see me said it’s something that’s hardly ever happened before, but it’s left me very worried to think that somebody was outside my front door.”
A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman said: “It is believed the theft took place some time after 2pm and was reported to us at 5.50pm.
“The scooter was parked outside the apartment on the fourth floor landing of Harrington House on Broad Street.
“We are appealing for any witnesses who saw the scooter being removed from the building or anyone who has seen a similar model being offered for sale to come forward.”
Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 363.