Mobility scooters stolen

A Telford widow said today her "lifeline" had been taken away after callous thieves broke into her garage and stole her mobility scooters.Eva Tonks, 86, of Hadley Park Road, Leegomery, said the vehicles were the only way she was able to get out and about independently.

The scooters were stored in her locked garage near her home but were found to be missing earlier this week. Telford police say the scooters were probably taken between November 25 and December 4.

The theft has left Mrs Tonks devastated.

She said: "I bought the bigger one second-hand from a shop in Dawley for £500 a few years ago and I had a test drive.

"But I found it too cumbersome and never used it. My relatives were able to give me lifts if I wanted to go out so I didn't bother using it.

"But I wanted more independence so I bought another smaller one for £1,000 from a company a few months ago. It was a lovely little machine and I was just building up my confidence to use it when it was stolen.

"I can't believe what has happened. It has really dragged me down. I have always been a fighter but this has left me heartbroken.

"It was going to be my lifeline and I was looking forward to getting out on it. It has been a big blow to me.

"The scooters were locked away in the garage and I don't know when they were taken. I don't go out much because the weather is too bad and I need to be by the fire to keep warm.

"I have had health problems and have a really bad chest infection which I just can't shake off.

"There must have been a few of them because the big one would have taken a few men to manhandle it.

"It is a wicked thing they have done. How can they sleep at night knowing they have taken away the only independence I have got?"

Mrs Tonks, who worked in the catering industry for much of her life, added: "I have worked hard all my life and never been on the dole.

"It is a difficult time of year for me anyway because my husband died in the December of 1993. This has made the whole thing even worse. They've broken my heart, they really have."

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Telford police on 08457 444888.