Elderly Newbury woman disgusted by mobility scooter theft

'They have taken my independence' says 80 year-old

AN elderly Newbury couple say they are disgusted after thieves stole their vital mobility scooter.

Eileen Lidington would ride her scooter into town to catch up with friends and do a bit of shopping.

But now the 80-year-old says that thieves have taken her precious independence away from her.

Mrs Lidington locked up her grey Pride Colt Deluxe scooter in a secure communal shed in Dyson Close on Sunday night but was shocked to find it missing on Wednesday morning.

She and her husband Ron, 86, had saved up £1,750 over a year to buy the scooter, which she has owned for 18 months.

Now the couple said they will be forced to use money meant to improve their flat on buying a replacement scooter.

“I’m absolutely disgusted honestly of all the things to take,” Mrs Lidington said. “You never think that people would steal something like that; but I suppose we lived in a time when people didn’t do that type of thing.

“At the moment they have just taken my independence. If you’re stuck indoors its just horrible. I use it to see people I used to work with and it breaks the day up.”

Mrs Lidington urged anyone with information to contact the police on 101 (ref 43160227340)

“We are ever hopeful. I would be so grateful,” she said.

What would be a short walk for many is difficult for Mrs Lidington as she has heart problems and sciatica. She is also in remission from cancer.

“I can’t walk far and get very breathless my legs won’t do it,” she said. “I can’t get out on my own without it and I can’t get far. The only time I can get out now is if Ron takes me.”

The couple said that their neighbours had been very supportive and checking that they were okay.

The shed is fitted with a keypad and there was no sign of forced entry. The thieves only took Mrs Lidington’s scooter, which was the newest of the ones stored there.