A DISABLED pensioner who had his mobility scooter stolen by heartless criminals says he has been left to feel “like a prisoner” in his own home.

Devastated Richard Tomiak had his scooter taken from a shed outside his apartment on Churchfields, Bromsgrove, just five weeks after moving in.

The retired 66-year-old depends on the device for transport and says he feels like the cruel thief has “cut my legs off” as he can no longer leave his home.

He said: “It is the lowest of the low. I must have transport to get around but I have been left with nothing. It is like somebody has come in and cut my legs off.

“I have an aneurysm on the heart and 10 per cent lung damage. I am badly disabled and cannot walk. I live by myself so have got nobody to help me.

“The scooter cost me £850 when I bought it two years ago which doesn’t sound like a lot but it is to me as it’s my legs. I just cannot walk anywhere.

“I cannot get my shopping or anything. Normally I would go into town and that breaks up the day. I’m just like a prisoner in my own home. I cannot move.”

Mr Tomiak left his red Shoprider scooter in a shed which is used as a charging point at his home on Parkside Court – a set of bdht apartments for the over 60s.

He woke on Sunday, February 12, to find it missing after a neighbour said she heard a noise in the area at around 2.45am that morning.

He said: “I went to the shed to get it out and it was just not there.

“I did not know what to think. I was just flabbergasted.

“I have only been here for five weeks so it is not a great start.

“It is a funny thing to pinch. It just shows what the person is like.

“If they catch them that would be great. I would even pay a reward as I would not want it to happen to somebody else.”

A £30 scooter charger was also stolen from the shed, while a bag with his belongings – which was left on the scooter’s front basket – was ripped off and left in pieces on the floor.

Mr Tomiak believes the shed is “too open and not secured enough” and is calling on bdht to protect it with a gate and padlock.

Mike Brown, Chief Executive of bdht said: “Bromsgrove District Housing Trust provides mobility scooter charging points at a number our properties across the community.

“We were saddened to hear that Mr Tomaik’s scooter was stolen from outside his home.

"As a result we are now consulting with this tenant about a solution to prevent future incidents.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting 0332s of February 12.