Thieves leave disabled boy stranded

Jacob has effectively been left housebound by the theft

Thieves have left a young boy with Down's Syndrome stranded in his own home after stealing his family's car.

Jacob Smith's specially designed buggy was in the silver Ford Galaxy people carrier which was stolen from outside the family home Trentam, Stoke-on-Trent, at the weekend.

His family say the car can be replaced but there is a six-month waiting list to replace Jacob's special buggy, which he needs to get around.

Without it, he is unable to get to school or even attend his own birthday party on Boxing Day.

'Parking badge'

Jacob's mother, Beverly Smith, said: "They know that the car belonged to a disabled child.

"Jacob's parking badge was in there with his photo on. There was a car seat and a buggy in the car so they know they have taken something belonging to a disabled child.

"I don't know what sort of person could do that. I can't imagine anyone that could do that."

Staffordshire Police are urging anyone who may have any information about the stolen car, with the registration Y506 RBF, to contact them or call Crimestoppers.

Sergeant Julian Tunnicliffe, of Staffordshire Police, said: "There is a young boy who hasn't got his mobility and we are anxious to recover the vehicle for him and his family if we can, so that he can get his mobility back."