'Shameless' thieves steal lifeline mobility scooters from outside Sunderland retirement properties

A Sunderland pensioner has spoken of her heartbreak after her mobility scooter was stolen from outside her home by heartless criminals.
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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.

Benedict Court residents Betty Andrews (left) and Pat Christie (75) with Sunderland St Michaels Ward Councillor Peter Wood. Picture by FRANK REIDBenedict Court residents Betty Andrews (left) and Pat Christie (75) with Sunderland St Michaels Ward Councillor Peter Wood. Picture by FRANK REID
Benedict Court residents Betty Andrews (left) and Pat Christie (75) with Sunderland St Michaels Ward Councillor Peter Wood. Picture by FRANK REID
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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, but that without her scooter she can no longer leave her home.

Instead, she remains inside where she users her walker to get around.

Betty Andrews (73) (left) with fellow Benedict Court resident Pat Christie (75). Picture by FRANK REIDBetty Andrews (73) (left) with fellow Benedict Court resident Pat Christie (75). Picture by FRANK REID
Betty Andrews (73) (left) with fellow Benedict Court resident Pat Christie (75). Picture by FRANK REID
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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.

Benedict Court Pat Christie (75) with the Log Book for her Mobility Scooter. Picture by FRANK REIDBenedict Court Pat Christie (75) with the Log Book for her Mobility Scooter. Picture by FRANK REID
Benedict Court Pat Christie (75) with the Log Book for her Mobility Scooter. Picture by FRANK REID
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“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.”