THE theft of a television from sheltered housing in Worcester has been described as “mean” and “despicable” by a local councillor.

The television was taken from the communal area of Brookthorpe Close sheltered accommodation, off Cranham Drive, Warndon, between 3.30pm and 6.15pm on Saturday, March 6.

The 42-inch LCD television was used by all the residents – who are aged between 59 and 92 – who live in the flats at Brookthorpe Close.

Resident Susan Rogers, aged 61, said: “We cannot have our film shows or watch football matches or anything like that now.

“It’s really shocked us all. It went out in daylight. It’s something we just weren’t expecting.”

Local councillor Jo Hodges was disgusted by the theft. She said: “I think it’s a very mean and despicable act. To take a television from something like sheltered housing, where that television may provide – for some – the only entertainment they have, is awful.

“A theft like this is almost worse than a burglary from a domestic dwelling. I think there is a moral duty for people to say something if they know where this television is.”

A police spokesman said: “I would describe this as a callous and uncaring crime against elderly and vulnerable people. We would urge the person or people who have taken it to think again about they have done.”

Police are asking anyone who believes they have seen a television fitting the description to contact them on 0300 3333000, quoting crime reference number 679S/060310.