WALTHAMSTOW: Thieves rob blind man of 'essential equipment' (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAMSTOW: Thieves rob blind man of 'essential equipment'

9:39am Wednesday 18th June 2008 in

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THIEVES stole a cage that was "essential equipment" used by a blind man's guide dog.

Terry White, 55, of Stocksfield Road, Walthamstow, was shocked to be told by a neighbour that the cage, which his guide dog Kent uses to go to the toilet outside his flat, was missing.

Mr White, who has been registered blind all his life, said: "I couldn't believe it. Who would take a blind man's guide dog pen? The police said they were surprised and shocked that this would happen. They shouldn't have taken it."

Because Mr White cannot see at all, he is unsure when the 6ft by 9ft square cage was swiped, but believes it may have happened when he was away staying with friends.

He said: "My neighbour said, where's the cage gone?' and I said, what's happened?'. She wondered if kids had moved it and she had a look, but it was gone.

"The caretaker thought maybe someone had taken it for scrap metal. It is very inconvenient and a mystery."

The £500 cage was provided to Mr White by Guide Dogs for the Blind, who will replace it once staff have found a way to secure it - but at a cost to the charity.

District team manager Shaun Basham said: "If you imagine how many 10p pieces we have to collect to replace the pen, it is very upsetting for us and the client. We go to lots of efforts through fund-raising and to have that wasted is very upsetting.

"It is the first time in my experience that I have had a cage stolen. It is a big inconvenience to the client and is essential equipment for the dog."

Mr White added: "I would like to appeal to everyone to ask if they know something. Someone must have seen something."

Mr White got his new guide dog, Kent, one month ago, after his faithful companion, Dusty, died after ten years of dedicated service. Although Mr White was saddened to lose Dusty, he said Kent had been settling in nicely until this recent incident.

l Anyone with information about the stolen dog pen should report it to the Metropolitan Police on 8506 5462.

If you can help the charity pay for a new cage for Kent, please contact the Guardian on 8498 3430 or email mmacfarlane @london. newsquest.co.uk.