A 91-year-old war veteran is the latest victim of a string of thefts that residents claim is plaguing their neighbourhood.
Harry Hamlyn, who fought in the Second World War, had his mobility scooter stolen overnight Tuesday from the gated underground parking lot of his Steveston condo.
Hamlyn only discovered the cruel theft on Wednesday after hed hobbled down to retrieve something hed left in the scooters basket.
Until the insurance is settled, which could be weeks or even months, the war vet will have to rely on other people picking up one of his many prescriptions and running errands into town.
I was amazed to be honest, it took me a second or two realize what had happened, Hamlyn said of the theft from the Westwater Views building on Railway Avenue.
I went to get something from the basket, but there was no basket and no scooter.
But there has been a few thefts around here recently, so I guess I shouldnt be that surprised.
Hamlyn said hes had the scooter for two years and its a real struggle to get around without it.
Its a darn nuisance, thats what it is, added Hamlyn.
Fellow Westwater resident Rob Zalik said the scooter theft is the latest in a string from their building over the last year, including that of two electric scooters and a high-end electric bike from a garage.
Zalik said the mini crime spree has sparked many neighbours to get each others phone numbers to alert people if they see something suspicious or a theft takes place.
Richmond RCMPs Sgt. Cam Kowalski, although confirming the scooter theft this week, said there doesnt appear to be a pattern which amounts to a mini crime spree.
We do get clusters of break and enters from time to time, he said.
Anyone with information on Hamlyns scooter should contact Richmond RCMP on 604 278 1212.
