A Bromley care home's van was stolen last weekend, leaving its vulnerable residents without any form of transport.

Key workers at the Plaistow Lane care home, which provides rehabilitation support for brain injury victims, discovered the van had been taken early on Sunday morning (May 17).

Without the van they have no means of collecting vital PPE or food supplies, and no transport for residents' essential or recreational journeys.

Manager Helen Moro, said: “News of the theft floored me.

"The vehicle was a lifeline; transporting residents to appointments and treatments, helping our Key Workers get to work as well as collecting food and vital PPE supplies during the crisis.

“I am so proud of my team and how they have refused to be victims of the Corona Virus but I I know they are distressed by the news that some heartless thieves have taken their transport.

"High View cares for some very vulnerable people.

"They may get over this incident, but it is a body blow to hear people clapping for your selfless devotion to those you care for one minute, and the moment you turn your back, someone pulls the rug from under you."

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The theft of the black Hyundai, number plate ET16 YUB, was caught on CCTV.

A masked man wearing a white padded jacket appears to take the vehicle.

A spokesperson for the care home, which is run by Highview Care Services, added: "The pandemic has hit us like every other care provider its created a whole lot more work for everyone and this theft has made everything that much harder.

"Residents get frustrated and anxious because they do not understand why they have to wait.

"The risk of using public transport or private taxi just increases the risk that these vulnerable people will catch the virus.

"I would say to the person who stole it – think about what you’ve done.

"This theft from a care home at this time has a much bigger impact than you can ever imagine.

"Think of the people who need this van, this is a body blow to them and those who care for them."

Police are investigating and anyone with any information that can help the care home is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or get in touch with High View Care direct on 0208 778 5211.