Thieves steal pensioner’s mobility scooter lifeline
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Mrs Alice Mone, whose mobility scooter - her only means of getting around - was taken by callous thieves from outside the health centre in Markethill as the 82-year-old attended an appointment. PW3751
By STEPHEN RICHARDSON.
HEARTLESS thieves have stolen the only means of transport available to an elderly lady pensioner - her mobility scooter
But defiant 82-year-old Mrs Alice Mone of Keady Street in Markethill says their actions will not dishearten her, despite the serious setback.
“It was such a shock when I first realised the scooter was stolen but now that I have had time to reflect, I don't care if it is in smithereens, as long as they get the people who stole it," she said.
Mrs Mone added: "This was a mean crime, but the thieves obviously do not care".
The scooter was taken from outside Markethill Health Clinic in Newry Street between 2.10pm and 2.30pm last Wednesday as Mrs Mone was attending an appointment.
The silver and red Regatta Mercury mobility scooter was left at the front door of the premises for 20 minutes and, when the pensioner returned, it had disappeared.
“They must have seen me on it and waited for their chance to steal the scooter," she said.
“I don't know how they got away so quickly, it was locked and I still have the ignition key and the charger," she explained.
Mrs Mone, a widow, suffers from severe arthritis, osteoporosis and other serious medical conditions.
She spent 15 months in hospital with a major heart defect and relied totally on the £3,000 scooter, which she purchased with her own money.
“Sadly, I never insured it because I couldn't believe that anyone would steal what is a lifeline," the pensioner explained.
Mrs Mone continued, "It was my means of maintaining some quality of life and independence".
In recent years the 82-year-old has recovered from a fractured shoulder, fractured hip, half-hip replacement, heart problems, cancer and the deadly hospital C Diff virus.
“I was driving my buggy when I went off the footpath and broke my hip some time ago - that was some experience. But that is nothing to what has happened now.
“For the life of me, I can't understand how people can be so mean and nasty - they deserve no luck in life."
But, despite this adversity, Mrs Mone still strives to maintain her independence and a cheery outlook on life, even though she is devastated by the actions of the heartless perpetrators.
Any dealers in mobility scooters, or anyone offered a Regatta Mercury model without the original key and battery charger, should get in touch with Armagh Police on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
They are particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area at the time of this callous act.
