JOYRIDERS are being blamed for stealing and wrecking a mobility buggy putting it beyond use by its disabled owner .The three-wheeled scooter was stolen from Gerald Hopkins' car port at Kiln Cottages , The Brickfields, Stowmarket, and found about half a mile away.

By Tracey Sparling

JOYRIDERS are being blamed for stealing and wrecking a mobility buggy, putting it beyond use by its disabled owner.

The three-wheeled scooter was stolen from Gerald Hopkins's car port at Kiln Cottages, The Brickfields, Stowmarket. It was later found about half a mile away.

The offenders are believed to have driven the bugy across a recreation field, and overturned the vehicle, as they raced away from the scene of the crime. They also stole Mr Hopkins's NHS walking stick.

But although the vehicle was recovered in Kent Road, it remains unusable because the ignition key is missing.

Mr Hopkins, 55, suffers from osteoporosis and kidney failure. His wife Dee, also 55, is also wheelchair-bound with multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Mrs Hopkins said: "We have wheelchairs, but Gerald needs the scooter to carry shopping bags, and get about in wet, muddy weather. This is the difficulty. We have it back now, but from the damage it's suffered I think they've been riding it and turned it over.

"It will cost a lot to repair."

She said they live in fear of the thieves returning, and added: "I wonder if they will come back for it again when the battery is re-charged?

"A neighbour heard a noise that night and looked out, but didn't see anyone."

The theft happened between 2.30pm on December 16 and 11am on December 17. The single small key was attached to a "Texas" keyring.

If you spot the key, or have any information about the crime, please call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.