A DISABLED grandmother from Cheltenham has spoken of her shock at being targeted by car thieves.
Bonnie Toner, of Kempton Grove, Benhall, woke to find her white Kia Pride LX had been stolen from her driveway.
The 59-year-old, who suffers from muscle pain disorder Fibromyalgia among other ailments, was struck with panic because the car represents a lifeline – enabling her to get to vital medical appointments.
She was relieved when police recovered the car from nearby Monks Croft, but says the damage caused by the thieves has had a lasting effect.
"The whole incident has been a terrible ordeal," said Ms Toner, a grandmother of three.
"I have been suffering with a stress-related disorder for almost five years. I also have ear and throat pain from two failed ear operations, as well as Fibromyalgia.
"My car is a lifeline to get to my medical appointments and it is also the only way I can get to see my family. So when I saw it had been stolen it immediately put me in a panic. I just can't do without it."
The vehicle was stolen from outside Mrs Toner's home in the early hours of January 13.
Later that day, police contacted her to say that it had been dumped in Monks Croft.
However, she has since been told it will cost £600 to repair damage caused to the locks and bodywork.
Mrs Toner wants to raise awareness of the misery caused by criminals.
She added: "I want to let people know about the devastation caused by these thieves.
"They have no right to steal other people's property and when they are doing it they probably have no idea about the long-term consequences of their actions."
Police said they were yet to make any arrests in connection with the crime.
Anyone with information about who was responsible for the theft can contact officers on 101, quoting incident 118 of January 13.
