YOUNGSTERS may have been responsible for a wheelchair theft which has left a disabled grandmother trapped in her home.

The £900 machine went missing from a hallway outside Pauline Gill's flat in Crook while she was out in her car for a short while on Sunday evening.

Because there have been other incidents hear her home in Waterloo Close, Wear Valley District Council is looking at ways of improving security for residents.

Pauline, who is 53 and has back problems as well as chronic bronchitis, can only walk a few yards and her wheelchair was her lifeline. She said: "We had some trouble with four boys aged around 11 or 13 the night before the chair was stolen. I just wish they would leave me alone."

Anyone who has seen the black-framed chair should call Crook police on (01388) 762011.