Police have condemned pranksters who stole an elderly widow’s mobility scooter.

Thieves sneaked on to the 70-year-old’s patio to take the scooter, which she needs for going to the shops and trips to the park.

It was found the next day, dumped near bins in a supermarket car park, and returned to its owner. One theory is that it was stolen as a drunken prank.

Yesterday, the woman, who does not want to be identified, but lives in Wibsey, Bradford, said: “I am just glad the scooter is back home where it belongs.”

She said she had just come out of hospital after an operation.

She said the scooter had been stolen overnight on Friday to Saturday. It was found a mile away at Tesco in Halifax Road.

“I think someone has seen it and taken it for a joyride,” she said. “It hasn’t been damaged and I think it was a bit of a prank after a few drinks. It was mean, but at least they didn’t trash it.

“The police have been fantastic. They brought it back and said they would keep a special eye out for me.”

Police were alerted after a member of the public spotted the scooter hidden behind the bins.

Sergeant Sheraz Khan, of the Queensbury, Royds and Wibsey Neighbour-hood Policing Team, said: “These vehicles are by no means inexpensive and those responsible for taking it clearly had no concern for the impact their actions could have on someone else’s life.

“We are calling for anyone who saw it being stolen, or anyone with information, to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.”

e-mail: steve.wright@telegraphandargus.co.uk