A disabled Exeter man was left stranded in the city after thieves stole his electric powered mobility wheelchair.
Michael Willis , 52, of Wonford, who suffers from severe arthritis of the joints, had parked his four-wheeled, 8mph machine in a lane near the White Ensign Club in South Street on Sunday afternoon.
When he returned a little over three hours later, his machine was gone.
Mr Willis, who had to pay for a taxi to take him home, said: "I could not believe that someone in Exeter would steal a disabled person's mobility scooter, and in broad daylight in the city centre.
"It's hard to take in but I would warn other mobility scooter users in Exeter to watch out. Mine was locked and secure and it must have taken two men to lift it and carry it off.
"I only bought it five months ago, It was six months old and I paid £500. I can't afford to buy a new one , that would cost around £1,500.
"Without it I cannot get about. I am stuck because I can only walk a very short distance."
Police are now investigating the theft of the wheelchair which happened between 1pm and 3.30pm on Sunday. The wheelchair is a red, four-wheeled Kymco make, with four new wheels.
