A fundraising appeal has been launched to help two pensioners left without heating after being targeted by thieves.
The couple, who are in their seventies and live in the Station Road area of Wisbech St Mary, had their bottled gas cylinders stolen yesterday – the second time in two weeks they have been targeted.
The first time the thieves struck on December 18 taking the three gas cylinders valued at £99 a piece – they also cut through the pipes and chains to access them.
Posting on Facebook the victim said: “Thank you to the scumbags that have stolen my gas cylinders again. Was hard to replace the first time £300 on 18/12 /24. This time it is impossible (5/1/25) for another £300.
“I’m sure it won’t bother you to know that we are left with no heating. We are in our seventies and cannot replace this again. It has left us cold and devastated. Police have been informed.
“Hope you are happy being warm with our gas knowing that you have left us cold and vulnerable.”
Now their neighbour Sheryl Randle has launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise £1,500 – the money will be used to firstly replace the gas cylinders so the victims can have heating and hot water.
Secondly, it will be used to purchase a security cage for the cylinders, and thirdly it will buy CCTV cameras to help deter thieves.
Sheryl said: “My neighbours are the nicest, kindest people you could ever meet and are both pensioners on a limited income.
“My neighbour has been targeted twice now over the past three weeks.
“Someone has stolen six gas cylinders in total, cutting the piping and removing all the cylinders and chains holding the cylinders in place.
“Each time this happens my neighbour has to replace said cylinders and pay an emergency charge to have cylinders delivered, as they have no heating or hot water otherwise.
“On top of this, this is leaving them very scared and extremely vulnerable, and very much out of pocket on a limited income.”