Vulnerable mother heartbroken after thieves steal and torch mobility scooter in Sunderland street

Jacqueline Dillon, 54, was at her friend’s house on Saint Mark’s Road, Sunderland, in the early hours of Monday, July 16, when the incident occurred.

Upon leaving the property to return to her own home shortly after 1am, she discovered her red electric scooter, which she had parked up outside, had vanished.

After raising the alarm, Mrs Dillon soon found the scorched scooter on nearby Ogden Street.

“I can’t believe what has happened,” said Mrs Dillon, who was left temporarily home-bound as a result.

“It beggars belief that somebody would do this. That scooter is my freedom; I rely on it to get around. To see it totally destroyed is heart-breaking.

“It’s an unforgiveable crime. Thankfully, my family have been incredibly supportive and a friend has allowed me to borrow her scooter until I’ve found a replacement.”

Her daughter, Eleena, 33, added: “Those who’ve done this probably thought it was just a bit of a laugh without taking into account the severe consequences it might have for my mum.

“She couldn’t even pop to the shop – it put a lot of pressure on the family to care for her, and nobody can quite believe why somebody would do this. The mindless actions of others have created a lot of heartache and distress, and they left my mum in a bad situation.”

An investigation has been launched by police, who are eager to hear from anybody who was in the area at the time who saw anything suspicious.

CCTV footage shows four individuals who were in the area at the time, and police would now like them to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Sergeant Maria Ord, of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been incredibly upsetting for the victim who relies heavily on her mobility scooter to carry out her everyday life.

“What has happened is totally unacceptable and we are now determined to bring those who carried out this act to justice.

“We have identified a group of individuals who were in the area at the time, and I would urge them to come forward and assist with our ongoing enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 071 160718.

You can also provide information online at www.northumbria.pnn.police.uk/contact or by emailing the OIC on [email protected]