The incident has left a charity having to hire transport to allow it to continue to reach the disabled

A charity has been left struggling to deliver wheelchairs after sick thieves struck.

A van was stolen from the British Red Cross depot in Livingston earlier this month, affecting the charity’s support for the disabled and the elderly in West Lothian.

The Ford Transit van was used to deliver and collect wheelchairs and the charity is having to hire transport to ensure it continues to provide the vital service.

Mairi Findlay, support assistant, told the West Lothian Courier: “It’s pretty low. The van has Red Cross on it and we’re a high-profile charity, so there was no way they didn’t know what it was. The vehicle was used to take wheelchairs to people who are often isolated.

“There is also the cost. Charities are finding it hard at the moment. We’re having to hire a van to replace the one stolen so we’re having to pay for that every day.”

The van, registration number KS63 CKX, was taken from the unit at Eliburn Industrial Estate at 10.25pm on Monday 13 August. The theft is one of a series of vans that have been stolen in the area in recent months. A second van, registration SA14 OYP, was stolen from a nearby local business on 14 August.

PC Marc Lunn said: “These thefts have denied a charity and a local business of resources and we’re asking for the public’s help as part of our efforts to return these vehicles to their rightful owners.

“Anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area, or who may know the whereabouts of the vans, is urged to contact either us or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“We’d urge van owners to consider investing in a steering lock, or try to block your vehicle in on an evening so it’s more difficult to move if someone is able to gain entry.”

Those with information can contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 0783 of 14 August.