Heartless thieves have left shielding pensioners fuming after they stole a much-loved television from the lounge of a retirement complex.

Elderly residents of Canon Appleton Court in Canterbury - many of whom have been isolating during the pandemic and cautious about venturing outdoors - used the TV to watch films, and take part in indoor exercise classes.

Resident Irene Paine said: “I started a sitting-down aerobics class for some of the elderlies. About six of us would go in twice a week and I’d set up the DVD, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”

But on the morning of November 16, they were shocked to find the 60-inch TV had been stolen from the complex’s lounge area.

“Some of the residents are sitting in their rooms all by themselves, bless their hearts,” said Mrs Paine.

“And for somebody to be so nasty as to take their telly away! If I got my hands on them - I might be 71 and I might be an old granny but my God, I’d tell them what I thought.

“We’ve had to stop the aerobics classes for the past couple of weeks when there’s been no television. One of the residents has now donated an older television, so we’re going to try and get that up and running.”

Mrs Paine says the break-in has caused worry among some of the Wincheap complex’s 38 residents, the majority of whom are in their 70s.

“It’s a little bit unnerving, to think somebody’s been creeping around here at night time,” she said.

“There must have been two or three people involved, to get it off the wall and get it out during the night, and not a soul saw a thing. They must have had a car with them.

“I now go around at 5.30pm and check everything’s locked up.”

Court manager Lynda Gatusch says she was “shocked” to discover the TV had been stolen.

“I could hardly believe it was true - I literally did a double-take,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe someone would be so underhand to steal it.”

“I’ve reassured residents that they are safe as they have their own front doors which they can lock, spy holes, outside porch lights and a warden call system.”

Police say the theft is believed to have taken place between 6pm on Sunday, November 15, and 9am the following day.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the force on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/205105/20 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or using the form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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