By Mobility scooter theft causes ‘distress’ for vulnerable users
Humberside Police are advising mobility scooter owners after recent thefts, on keeping their transport lines safe and prevent them from theft and vandalism.
Police say the thefts cause ‘distress and inconvenience’ for those who rely on them for transport, which can sometimes be their only form of transportation.
The force says owners are often vulnerable and have limited mobility, with the thefts leaving them ‘unable to leave their homes’.
A spokesperson said: “The theft of a mobility scooter causes distress and inconvenience for those who use them as their only form of transport. Owners have limited mobility and are often vulnerable, the theft of their scooter can cause them to be isolated and unable to leave their homes.”
“We do all we can to find those responsible and bring them to justice and to recover stolen property. Anyone with information about the theft of scooters or of handling stolen property should call our non-emergency number 101.”
The force’s crime prevention advice states ‘parking your scooter in your house or investing in a small shed specifically for your scooter is worth the time and money to protect it. Alternatively, if you live in a flat with a communal area, ask your neighbours if it is practical to leave your scooter somewhere safer overnight rather than outside.’
“This may sound like basic advice, but many people forget to remove the key from their scooter before going inside a shop, for instance. This gives a thief ample opportunity to take the scooter.
Police suggest using other methods, such as a wheel clamp, a scooter tracker, and ‘alternate parking habits’
“If you travel to the same destination on your scooter every day, consider changing your parking spot every now and then. As good as a regular routine can be, thieves are quick to notice patterns in behaviour and even quicker to spot an easy target for theft. Ideally, you should keep the scooter in sight but if you cannot, then change your parking spot whenever possible.”
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