Ref. 73193-58A PENSIONER with arthritis who does voluntary work with special needs children has become the victim of a cruel theft.

Pam Gibbs, 65, of Lower Stratton had a washing machine stolen from her front doorstep in broad daylight while she was out driving autistic children home from the Chalet School.

She is furious that the theft could happen in her cul-de-sac in the afternoon.

She said: "I am really annoyed. Whoever did this must have been watching me, finding out what time of day I go out."

A neighbour watched the theft from her home, believing that the washing machine was being removed with her permission.

"She didn't take much notice because she thought I had arranged for somebody to come and pick it up."

Mrs Gibbs' previous washing machine had broken down and a work colleague had given her a spare one.

She had left it by her front door until she could find help to move it inside.

She said: "It was sat out there because it was too heavy for me to lift and I was waiting for someone to help me carry it in.

"I don't even know how they knew what it was as it was wrapped up and I had covered it up in black bags because of the rain.

"It's terrible, especially for a pensioner because I can't afford to replace it."

Jean Yeates, 60, lives across the road from Pam.

She said: "I saw a navy blue Transit van with a thick light-coloured stripe on it park opposite my house.

"I thought it was somebody from the council. A man got out and pulled something out of the back of the van. I later realized it was a trolley.

"Then I saw him getting something pretty big from outside Pam's house and putting it into the van.

"I couldn't see what it was because it was all wrapped up.

"My husband thinks he's seen the van in this street before."

Inspector Paul Hawkins of Swindon Police said: "An officer has been allocated to deal with this matter, and we will take whatever action is necessary to find the offender.

"We would urge the public to be vigilant with respect to items left on doorsteps and perhaps neighbourhood watch-type vigilance would be appropriate.

"If any residents would be interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme they should contact Swindon central police station on 01793 528111."

David Andrew