A disabled woman has hit out at thieves who made off with her customised £2,200 wheelchair.
Lindsey Eppy, 48, had stored the wheelchair within the secure entry at the bottom of her daughter’s close at Candle Lane, where it was stolen.
The mother-of-three had gone for a meal at her daughter’s home on Sunday evening and was left “shocked” when, a few hours later, she discovered the machine was gone.
Lindsey, who was diagnosed with a degenerating disease of her lower spine seven years ago, has become dependent on her wheelchair.
She was supplied four weeks ago with her brand new customised machine suitable for her needs.
Lindsey, who just recently moved to the city’s Hilltown Court, said the affair has left her wondering how the culprits can sleep at night.
She told the Tele: “I am still shocked that this has happened, especially as the entry at my daughter’s property is secure.
“I was there at the usual time of 5pm.
“As we were leaving around 8pm, my youngest daughter Leonie shouted up ‘where’s your wheelchair?’
“We thought she was messing around because she’s a bit of a joker.
“But when I discovered it was gone I was couldn’t believe it.”
The wheelchair was supplied by Alloa-based Albion Mobility.
Lindsey, who has lived in Dundee for the past four years, believes the theft has been a “targeted” crime.
She said: “This wheelchair gives me my independence.
“It’s essentially my legs as I can only manage to walk when I can support myself against objects in the house.
“With me being down at Stacey’s most Sundays, I think the culprits have targeted the wheelchair.
“They left other items behind, including a pram which was wedged up beside it and also a bag with clothing in it.
“The wheelchair itself will be immobile until I activate a pin-code on it.
“But whoever has stolen it must have manually disabled the wheelchair to take it away.
“One of Stacey’s neighbours saw the wheelchair in the secured area at around 5.45pm.
“So the thieves must have taken it between 6pm and 8pm on Sunday.”
Lindsey now has to wait to see if the wheelchair is recovered or if she will be provided with a replacement.
“Albion have kindly supplied me with a temporary chair but the insurance company will wait three weeks to deal with the claim to give the police time.
“If that’s unsuccessful, it will take a further seven or eight weeks to make another wheelchair to suit my needs.”