Every week we seem to report crimes against citizens of the Sunshine Coast. They are always troubling, and many of them don't make much sense. This week we've learned of a crime that is so disgusting it's almost too hard to comprehend.
Last Thursday, a group of youths vandalized and stole several motorized scooters from the Greencourt seniors' apartment in Sechelt.
Witnesses reported seeing the youths in the area and saw a group of them in Hackett Park with the scooters out for a joy-ride. These scooters are estimated to cost between $3,000 and $5,000. But it's not just the monetary loss for the seniors that raises concern, it's their loss of respect and dignity as a result of this thoughtless and malicious crime.
Most of the seniors who have had their lives turned upside down by this incident are pensioners on fixed incomes. All are frail elderly or disabled to the extent that they need these scooters just for mobility - to get to the store, go the library, bank or church or just to head to a local restaurant for a cup of morning coffee.
These scooters represent a chance for the seniors to have some form of independence, and now that has been ripped away from them by this cowardly act.
A few of the victims have come forward and made reports to the police, who have told us they are investigating the crime. As yet, no suspects have been located.
The victims have also come to us and spoken of their outrage over these acts. Many feel violated and are frightened that if they come forward with more information, they might become a target again. Some are afraid to leave their homes. The community they call home has forever changed for them.
Thefts and vandalism seem to be nightly occurrences here on the Coast, but a crime against the elderly is utterly shameful. Who in their right mind, even a young person, could muster the guts to indulge in such a terrible act? Maybe we've answered our own question - they probably don't have any guts.
We can only hope that the police will apprehend those involved and some form of compensation can be provided to the victims and, at the very least, a of sense of security can be restored.
