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Disabled woman left stranded by theft
A DISABILITY van theft just before Christmas has left a 54-year-old woman stranded, unable to get to the shops or the doctor or visit her family.
Katrina Smythe, who lives in Rosebery Avenue, Hampden Park, described the van, which had a ramp for her mobility scooter, as a 'lifeline', which she totally relied upon to get into the town centre and visit her elderly mother in Burgess Hill.
Her carer left her home on Monday December 15 to walk her dogs, passing the van parked outside at around 9.30pm, but returned half an hour later to find it gone.
Ms Smythe said she thought the thief or thieves may have been watching her house. She is worried the theft is part of a wider crimewave targeting older, vulnerable people, following a spate of stolen mobility scooters in Eastbourne last month.
Coming before Christmas, the crime hit the disability pension recipient, who has bone degenerative disease, even harder.
Addressing the thief, she said, "I am now unable to visit family and friends or go out of Hampden Park to shop or travel.
"I am sitting here now and wishing all sorts of retributions. "I hope some come true, you selfish, inconsiderate human being. Merry Christmas."
She hopes someone will come forward to return the vehicle, the cost of which is unlikely to be covered by her insurance. The ramp alone cost around 4,000 to buy and install.
Mrs Smythe added, "Please, please give me my van back. I am a disabled pensioner, I cannot afford to replace it."
So far, the van is still missing and no arrests have been made. Witnesses are asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
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