A DISABLED man has today appealed to the heartless thieves who stole his precious wheelchair. Alex Boardley became the victim of one of the lowest crimes imaginable when he discovered his custom-made wheelchair, worth £3,000, was taken from the doorstep of his friend's house.

A DISABLED man has today appealed to the heartless thieves who stole his precious wheelchair.

Alex Boardley became the victim of one of the lowest crimes imaginable when he discovered his custom-made wheelchair, worth £3,000, was taken from the doorstep of his friend's house.

He is today pleading with the thieves to have a heart and return it.

The 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, said: “I was disgusted. It just made me feel sick when I found out it was gone. We searched the street but could not find it so called the police. I just want it back.

“I don't know what they are going to get out of it as I don't think you could sell it because it has been specially customised for me.

“I do not know what I'm going to do because it was really expensive and I don't have that sort of money to hand. I can get around the house without it but I use it all the time when I'm outside and at work. I have an old chair I can use for a while but it is not easy to get about in.”

Mr Boardley, of Hening Avenue, Ravenswood, arrived at his friend's house in Rectory Road, Ipswich, at 7.15pm on Saturday night but when he left at midnight to get a taxi home, he discovered his chair was missing.

He added: “I have left it outside my friend's house several times and this has never happened before. I brought it through the gate, up the steps and right outside his door so I never thought it would get taken from there.

“I think it is likely people have come back from the pub after a few drinks and thought it would be funny to take it on a joyride.”

The wheelchair, bought in 2004, is slim-line and sporty looking, with a low back and a titanium frame.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone who knows anything is encouraged to call Pc Jonathan Driver at Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.

Have you ever been the victim of crime? Can you help Mr Boardley? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk