A DISABLED widow has spoken of her disappointment with police after waiting eight hours for a response to the theft of wheels from her mobility car.

Olive Hedley, 77, who lives in Darlington, has complained to Durham Constabulary about the time it took before an officer arrived at her home to investigate.

“Vehicle crime is a priority we take very seriously. Once this incident was brought to the attention of a supervisor, an officer attended within 30 minutes. That officer has started a thorough investigation, including calling out a crime scene investigator.”

He said the police would act on any information that helped bring the culprits to justice. The number to call is 0345-6060-365.

Mrs Hedley was alerted to the theft by her neighbour on Tuesday morning.

She contacted the police, but it was not until 7pm that an officer turned up, after a second phone call made by her son-in law at tea-time.

Later this week, police said they took incidents like this very seriously and agreed someone should have been with Mrs Hedley sooner.

The thieves stole the wheels of her metallic gold Ford C-Max, disarmed the security light above her garage and smashed her car window. They had attempted to break into the garage, but were unable to open the door as the car was parked too close.

Mrs Hedley told the D&S Times she was very disappointed with the time police had taken to respond to the incident, particularly as the car could not be taken in for repair until after forensic examinations had been carried out.

“I was really upset,” she Mrs Hedley, who lives in the Whinfield area. “I think it was just disgraceful. I am registered disabled. That car is my lifeline.

I am absolutely disappointed with the police over this. I think they should have come out a lot sooner.”

She added the incident had shaken her. “When I saw my car, my heart just stopped. I was really nervous going to bed that night.”

Mrs Hedley’s son, Mark, said: “She just wanted a quicker response than she received. She was upset and she felt a bit unsafe.”

Insp Owen Turnbull, of Darlington police, said: “It does appear that, with hindsight, it would have been better if an officer could have got there sooner.