Hartlepool gran's delight after stolen scooter found

Jean Kinnersley, aged 82, was robbed of her independence when the scooter was taken by thieves, who broke into an outdoor storage unit at her home near the Marina.

Without it, she was not able to go shopping or visit friends due to her mobility problems and a lack of public transport where she lives.

But although the scooter was returned within 48 hours of an appeal being issued in the Mail last week, it has been damaged by the thieves and does not currently go.

It was found two miles away, in Caledonian Road, by a member of the public on Saturday.

Mrs Kinnersley, a grandmother of seven, who had suffered a lot of upset and anxiety over the incident, said: “I’m glad to have it back. I haven’t been out on it yet because I haven’t been well and because of the weather.”

Daughter Geraldine Holland said: “We’re grateful to have it back but when I tried to ride it it broke down. There looks to be damage where you put the key in. At least they haven’t destroyed it.”

She also thanked the numerous people who had offered to give Mrs Kinnersley a replacement scooter.

Geraldine added: “We have had a lot of kind offers of donations and we would like to thank them all.

“It helped enormously to overcome the shock.”

It is not known if the thieves abandoned it after a joy ride or felt guilty as a result of the publicity.

Anyone with information about who took the scooter should call police on 101 quoting reference number 23825.