HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a mobility scooter from an Albury woman with cerebral palsy, leaving her frustrated and struggling to get around.
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Olivia Beaufort's Pride scooter was noticed missing from her Pemberton Street property about 9am on Monday.
She has had to rely on taxis to get to her job, TAFE, the gym and to do shopping.
"I'm pretty devastated," she said.
"My disability is quite difficult.
"Who steals from someone with a disability?
"I'm going to have to find another way of getting around while I try to get a replacement, which will be a long process."
Ms Beaufort's disability affects the entire right side of her body.
She can move around with a walking stick in short stints, but can't use it over long distances.
"It's such an inconvenient and frustrating thing to happen," she said.
"I literally rely on it for everything.
"I need it to get to work, to go down the street and pay bills.
"I can't do too much until it's replaced."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The Pride 130XL scooter is worth about $4000.
The red machine has a fluorescent cover and orange flag, but both are removable.
It also has a black shade canvas, black basket and a bag on the rear.
Because Ms Beaufort received the mobility scooter in 2014, she has to reapply for a new scooter from scratch through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
She hopes to receive a scooter to borrow in the meantime, which is now being organised.
The 30-year-old has appealed for information in a bid to find the scooter.
The machine was taken some time between 3pm on Sunday and about 9am Monday, at her property between Small and Dight streets, with police notified of the theft.
"This has affected me greatly," she said.
"I use it multiple times a day.
"I've had my independence taken away from me."
Anyone with information can call (02) 6023 9299 or 1800 333 000.
