THIEVES who stole wheelchairs from a Tavistock store were this week slammed by a shopper who said the theft had ruined the day for her disabled mother.
Monica Crowther regularly takes her mother, Ethel Lashbrook, to Safeway, using the wheelchairs provided by the store to enable her to shop easily.
But last week none were available due to theft, leaving Mrs Lashbrook downhearted and Mrs Crowther furious.
Mrs Crowther said: ?We always borrow the wheelchairs at Safeway. It?s the only day of the week my mother gets out, she looks forward to going around the supermarket and seeing people.
?Apparently, these thefts have happened before, they used to have three chairs down there ? what is the matter with people? They know they are for disabled people.?
Mrs Crowther said Mrs Lashbrook, who lives in Horrabridge, was ?very disappointed? that she could not visit the store ? she was forced to remain in the car while her daughter did the shopping.
A spokesman for Safeway said the store formerly had three wheelchairs available for public use, but two have now been stolen.
She said: ?It is disgraceful that these wheelchairs have been stolen, depriving customers who rely on them to enable them to do their weekly shop.?
She said Safeway was ?committed to providing the best possible service? for its customers and confirmed that three new wheelchairs had been ordered for use in the store, which customers would need to sign for at the service desk.
PC Tristan Port of Tavistock Police Station said the theft had not so far been reported.
PC Port said: ?Obviously, if anyone comes across dumped wheelchairs or sees anyone taking them we would urge them to contact us, so we can liaise with Safeway and hopefully return them.?