A few weeks ago at the beginning of Covid-19 a group of young males gained entry to a sheltered living facility in Kensal Green ward (North West London). The majority of people who are living here are elderly and vulnerable.

The suspects targeted this location and returned several times, terrifying the residents. Residents called police, but unfortunately the suspects escaped before officers arrived.

Along with other items a mobility scooter, which was left on the ground floor corridor, was stolen by suspects. It was Tom's scooter!

Tom is a resident here, living with other lovely people who are making a great cup of tea and are very friendly.

Officers from Kensal Green SNT identified two suspects, arrested them and searched their addresses. Unfortunately the scooter is still outstanding. As police, we are happy - the suspects were arrested and we have strong evidence to support this case in court, but this is not Tom's priority... he really wants his scooter back.

Tom is 68 years old. He finds it very difficult to walk... Tom suffers from arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. He made the difficult decision a few months ago to take a loan out to purchase the scooter. Tom has to get a loan to buy the mobility scooter which cost £400. He has slowly and steadily paid of the loan and now his scooter is missing.

Today officers from Kensal Green SNT (PC 2284NW and PC 1953NW) visited Tom to inform him about the arrests... he was happy about arrests... but it was painful to see his disappointment when we said we had not recovered his mobility scooter.

So today Kensal Green Safer Neighbourhood Team decided to help Tom and try to raise money for new, even better mobility scooter. Tom is a lovely man who needs our help!!

We are raising £500 to pay for a new mobility scooter and to help him pay the loan back. If we get more than £500 we will also organise a party for all residents.

The criminals targeted the most vulnerable people in our community.

We would like to show them that Kensal Green can’t have their community spirit broken. Let’s do it for Tom!