POLICE are urging thieves who stole a hot tub which left a woman who has fibromyalgia unable to leave her house to "search their consciences".

At some time between 2am and 6am on Sunday (August 5), offenders are believed to have entered the back garden of the property of Kate Wellens on Main Avenue, Grange Park and stole a hot tub.

In the course of the theft, the offenders cut through live electrical wires.

The condition which Kate, 24, suffers from causes pain all over her body as well as increased sensitivity, fatigue and muscle stiffness.

After saving for several months, Kate finally bought the hot tub for her home meaning she could relax her muscles and not have to attend expensive hydrotherapy.

Kate said she was "devastated" to find that thieves made off with it in the middle of the night last weekend.

She is hoping the thieves, who she believes must know the area well, will return the tub once they know that it "is a medical treatment not a luxury."

Kate said: "I use the hot tub daily to help with my fibromyalgia pain as this is the only way I can function.

"I just feel devastated and unable to leave the house because I'm in such pain.

"I no longer feel safe in my own home and I am currently in the process of getting cctv installed to help me feel a bit safer."

Police say enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Community Policing Inspector Matt Drennan said: “It beggars belief that anyone would take such obvious risks to their own wellbeing in order to disconnect and steal a large electrical device such as a hot tub, and they have been fortunate not to suffer serious injury.

“We understand that the victim requires this equipment to treat illness so I would appeal to anyone who knows who was responsible to search their consciences, do the right thing and contact us immediately.

“Likewise, if you heard or saw anything suspicious or have been offered this item locally, let us know and we will take the necessary action.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC with reference number 18200163381, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.