Mobility scooter thieves reimburse ‘distressed’ owner

THIEVES behind a “distressing” mobility scooter theft in Ballygawley are understood to have reimbursed the victim.

Police are still appealing for witnesses after videos circulated online of at least three men stealing and destroying the scooter on Sunday.

The incident has caused outrage in the local community.

In one video filmed by a witness, a man can be seen attaching the scooter to his vehicle with a tow rope outside Gormley’s Bar on Church Street and then driving in the direction of St Mary’s Primary School.

In a second video filmed by the perpetrator driving the vehicle, they
can be seen towing the now-destroyed mobility scooter down a rural road.

At least three men were involved in the incident as they are seen pulling the scooter to the side of the road with one man beginning to kick it.

One of the men appears to be intoxicated with his jumper above his head and laughing can be heard throughout their filming of the incident.

However, the Dungannon Herald understands that those responsible for the theft have since reimbursed the owner for destroying the mobility scooter.

Even so, police are still seeking the cuplrits, with Inspector Patton saying, “Police received a report around 5.30pm that the victim’s mobility scooter had been stolen from outside a licenced premise in Church Street.

“The scooter was tied to the back of a vehicle and driven off.

“It was located later damaged beyond repair.”

Inspector Patton added, “This was obviously a very distressing ordeal for the victim, our enquiries are continuing and we are appealing for anyone with information and who may have witnessed this incident in the area to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1404 24/10/21.”

By James Kelly

j.kelly@ulsterherald.comMobility scooter thieves reimburse  ‘distressed’ owner