PCC Steps In After Hate Crime On Mobility Scooter Woman

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins is urging people to become good samaritans in the fight against hate crime after a disabled woman was harassed by a group of teenagers in Brickhill.

The lady was subjected to a stream of abuse by a group of teenagers as she travelled home on her disability scooter, before they ran off taking her handbag with them. After visiting the woman, Commissioner Martins said he was concerned that no-one had come forward with information.

He said: “We need good samaritans who are not prepared to look the other way. I’m asking anyone who is either a witness to this type of behaviour, or indeed a victim, to tell the police, so that they can take action.”

The Commissioner heard that during the victim’s 40 minute ordeal the group shouted abusive comments such as ‘spastic on a scooter’ before stealing her handbag and running off.

Her route, which started at 5.10pm on July 3, covered De Parys Avenue, Park Avenue, and Bedford Park, Larkway, Avon Drive and the footpath past St Marks Church on to Jackmans Walk, Tyne Crescent and Carron Road before taking Skerne Passage to Browney Path.

Commissioner Martins said: “Someone must have seen or heard something during a 40 minute period in broad daylight and I really hope that they are prepared to come forward. This could be the key to identifying those responsible before they strike again.

“Hate crime is insidious. It’s totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated. I believe that the majority of the public agrees with me and I hope that they will see the importance of reporting any instances that they see.”

The Commissioner’s visit was made following his pledge, as victims’ champion, to listen to the experiences of those people who have suffered from a variety of different crimes to enable him to improve the services provided by the police and other agencies.

Anyone with any information can contact PC Julie Jennings by the 24hr non-emergency number 101, or text the control room direct on 07786 200011 or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name but could still receive a cash reward for your information.