On the 6th of September, my mobility scooter was stolen. The police were able to return it to me, after it was reported broken & abandoned a significant distance from where it was stolen from. There is very little for the police to go on. It is highly unlikely that the person who stole my mobility scooter will ever be found. But I have some things I need to tell them. Even if they never read this, which they probably won’t, I need to say it.
I’ve never sworn on my blog, but there’s always a first time for everything.
To the piece of sh*t who stole my mobility scooter:
You have put me in physical & emotional danger. You have made me more poorly. Bet you didn’t think about that. I can’t use my wheelchair without risk of damage because of my EDS. Stress affects my PoTS. I’ve previously had PTSD, how do you think this might impact on that? Being stuck at home is really hard to deal with emotionally. So thanks for putting me right back in that place – not! You didn’t just take an object from me, you took my freedom & my independence.
As I’ve said, it’s highly unlikely that we will ever know who stole my mobility scooter. But this hasn’t stopped me thinking about who it might’ve been & their motivations. So here is what I’d say to the people most likely to have stolen my mobility scooter.
To the kid(s) who thought it would be funny:
Have you ever been grounded? Silly question. You stole my mobility scooter, so the chances are you’ve done something before that has resulted in you being grounded. You know how frustrating & isolating it feels to be grounded? That has been my life for the past 6 months, only worse. You know how you still have to go to school when you’re grounded? I don’t even have the luxury of being able to go to work. My mobility scooter was changing that. I was finally able to go out of the house when I wanted to. You took that away from me. You grounded me so you could have fun.
To the person who wanted to make a quick buck:
I get it, times are hard. But you know what? I only have that mobility scooter because a very kind lady didn’t need it any more so gave it to me. You might be struggling financially & I can see how that would make you desperate. But I am also struggling financially. I have no money coming in & haven’t for the past year. I’m having to fight for the disability benefits that I’m entitled to. You stole my mobility scooter, which is something I just can’t replace.
I would like to thank you though, for dumping my scooter. I’m not sure how I’m going to afford to have the damage that you caused fixed. But I know it will be an easier sum of money to find than the amount I would need to buy a new scooter. Did you have a moment of guilt? Probable not. You might be struggling for money, but you’ve just put someone else who is struggling for money in an even more difficult financial position.
To the person wanting to help a friend in need:
Your friend of family member may not be able to get about at the moment. I get how hard that is, I’ve been there. This scooter, a gift from a kind lady who no longer needed it was my way out of this situation. Why do you feel your friend or relative is more in need of this scooter than I am? Who are you to make that decision? There are things I need to help me that I just can’t afford. Some of which, you friend or family member may have access to. Why do you think you’re the one to choose who is most deserving of help? By taking my mobility scooter, you tried to give a very special gift to someone. That of freedom & mobility. But you also robbed me of my freedom & independence. How is this a fair trade?
To the piece of sh*t who stole my mobility scooter, whoever you are:
The police may not have much to go on, but my cats do. They smelt you on my mobility scooter when the police returned it. You’d better hope you don’t run into them, particularly Freya. She can be a vicious bitch when she wants to be.
My Dad was so pleased when he picked up the scooter for me
To the person who reported my broken, abandoned scooter to the police:
Thank you for the bottom of my heart. I hope you cross paths with my cats, so that they can pass on my thanks through their love & affection.
To the police:
Thank you so much for your understanding & support, I really appreciate your kindness. You understood how upsetting this was for me. Thank you for bringing my scooter home for me, so that we can see if we can get it fixed.
To my friends & family:
I would be finding this much harder to deal with without you, thank you for all your support.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for listening. I really appreciate your support.
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I’m so angry and upset on your behalf. Words fail me. I hope the damage is repairable and isn’t too costly. Where was it taken? I know the police say they can’t do much but surely cctv may have caught them?
Thanks Donna! Ironically, it was taken from just outside the doctor’s surgery. The police were going to find out if there was CCTV in the area, but said they would still have to identify the person & prove that they weren’t just moving the scooter out of the way. They didn’t hold out much hope, but at least I have it back. Fingers crossed Dad can get it working. Xx
I’ve only just seen that your scooter was stolen; I hadn’t picked up on it on twitter. I am so sorry that some scumbag took it from you I don’t think people understand how important these things are for people that just can’t get about. I’m utterly disgusted that someone would do this. I am pleased it was recovered and that someone was able to find it and point it out to the police. Like you say the repairs will be cheaper than a full replacement but until then you are stuck. I’m so sorry and I’m sending you virtual gentle hugs and support. xx
Thank you so much Carla! I’m lucky that it happened just 2 roads away from my home. Otherwise I would have been stranded. It’s just so selfish that who ever it was either didn’t think about how it would impact on me or just didn’t care. At least I have Dad, if anyone can fix it, it will be him. Xx
that is disgusting! I am so glad you got it back though and hope it wont cost to much to repair. But mostly take it easy and try not to let it get to you too much, for the sake of your health xxx
Thank you so much lovely! I’m doing a lot better. It didn’t help that my wheelchair broke two days later, but I’m in a better head space now. The cats are happy to have their flavour of the month seat back too! Xx
Tania I didn’t know this happened! That is awful! Unfortunately there are some nasty people in the world but I’m so sorry they affected you on this occasion. On the plus side I’m glad you got it back as I bet lots wouldn’t xxx
Thanks Leah! There are horrible people in the world, but this experience has shown me that for every awful person, there are many, many more lovely people. I’ve had so much support from everyone & it’s really restored my faith in people. The police did say that it’s rare that they’re able to return stolen property, so I do feel very lucky. Xx
It’s absolutely awful that this happened to you, there really are some vile people out there, there are also some lovely people, like the person who kindly gave you the scooter in the first place. I really hope you can get the scooter fixed and it isn’t too expensive, people don’t realise the impact these things have on the people affected it’s so cruel, sending you big hugs xxx
Zoe ♥ MammafulZo
I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from friends like you. There are some horrible people out there, but there are many, many more lovely ones. I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to get the scooter working again. If anyone can do it, it’s my Dad! Xx
What is wrong with people? If people would put themselves in others shoes, these things wouldn’t happen.
I completely agree! I’m just so glad to have it back & that there is a chance it can be fixed. Xx
I am so sorry this happened to you sweet Tania!
I am glad you got it back and hope the repairs aren’t too bad to fix <3
Thanks for sharing you experience! While this one is particularly sucky I think you processed it very well <3
Thank you so much Dawn! It’s been a horrible experience, but the support I’ve received from people has been fantastic. It’s reminded me that, for every nasty person, there are many, many lovely people. Xx
I’m really sorry to hear it was stolen, I hope you manage to get it fixed. Some people are selfish…
Lauren x | http://www.huggled.co.uk/
Thank you so much Lauren! Xx
Some people are just… *sigh*
Here, have some love: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Thank you lovely! Much appreciated. Xx
I am so shocked that someone actually stole it! How dare they! This has made me so angry! The light at the end of the tunnel is that you got it back though! I hope your cats find them! *hugs*.
Amina xx
Thank you so much! Unfortunately, although the scooter was found it is beyond repair. Very upsetting. My Dad was very generous & offered to buy me a new one, which I’m very grateful for. Xx
Man, I would have been even harsher in my words towards them. What they lack is any and all empathy. My scooter was once stolen too and only slightly damaged when it was recovered. But I was outraged. I assume it was drug addicts who stole it, thinking they could sell it for a fix. I know a lot of junkies and ex junkies and not one of them would do or have done such a thing for a fix. Some thing are off limits, and, if they’re not, the problem isn’t drug addiction; the problem is being an evil human being.
Such was the case in my upbringing. It was a junkie who sold me as a child to get her fixes, and it was the people to whom she sold me who disabled me in the first place… so the whole thing was even more upsetting because of that.
There is no excuse for stealing a scooter. It’s thoughtlessly cruel at best, actively malicious and hateful at worst. Glad you got it back.
I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve been through, or what awful memories having your scooter stolen would’ve brought back.
Unfortunately, mine couldn’t be fixed. My Dad very kindly replaced it for me. I’m very lucky to have such supportive family. Xx
Yeah. The junkie who sold me was a family member so… : (
Hugs. Xx