A DISABLED woman has been left stranded after her mobility scooter was destroyed when the family Land Rover Discovery was stolen and torched.

Peggy Cousins, 57, and her partner Dave Way, are among the victims of a spate of car crimes that has seen numerous vehicles stolen and set alight recently.

Their vehicle was stolen from the hard standing outside their house in Eggardon Close, Beaminster. In the vehicle was Mrs Cousins’ newly-bought mobility scooter and Mr Way’s diabetic survival kit.

Mrs Cousins is disabled by arthritis and cannot walk unaided. Even around the house she has to walk with two crutches.

Her daughter Levi Way said: “Mum had only just bought the scooter from a friend of my dad’s.

“It was pretty new and the retail price is at least £799. My dad is diabetic and had all his kit in the truck as well – instant pens, also his monitor to test his blood to make sure he is safe to drive.”

Mrs Cousins said it is not only devastating to lose her scooter but having the Land Rover was a lot easier for her to get in and out of than an ordinary car.

“My son put five steps on it so I could get up better. It is easier in the truck because I can slide out because I can’t lift my leg,” she said.

“We didn’t know anything about it until the police were banging on the door at about 11.45pm.

“We just could not believe they would do such a thing. My son said to the policeman ‘If they wanted to take the truck fair enough – they should have left the mobility scooter behind’ but they don’t think like that.

“It must be obvious that someone is going to be left stranded.

“It is the inconvenience. They don’t think about anybody else but themselves.

“I go to Yeovil Hospital twice a week for physio. Now I will have to try and borrow a car or get lifts.”

The stolen vehicle was later found when it was crashed into the front wall of a property in Crewkerne and set alight.

Three people were seen fleeing the scene. On the same day, a Land Rover was stolen from Uplyme and discovered in West Coker after reports of suspicious door knocking. It was also involved in a petrol bilking incident in Merriott.

Two men were disturbed while trying to steal another Land Rover, from the Mapperton area on January 7. One of the men was already in the vehicle when they were disturbed. PCSO Alex Bishop appealed for witnesses. A car was also deliberately set alight in St Swithin’s Road in Bridport on January 6.