Sir, – The current economic climate impacts on charities in many ways but we have recently experienced a loss that is hopefully not a sign of further things to come.

To date we have always accepted people at face value whatever their position in society, and take their honesty and integrity for granted. However, in August this year we were approached by a family regarding the hire of one of our new portable electric scooters. After joining as a member, one week's hire was paid with an option for a further hire period. The address and membership details were supported by a current 'Blue Badge' and we saw no problem given the disability described.

After the week's hire period, despite numerous telephone calls, e-mails and letters, nothing further has been heard from or seen of that family. The two telephone numbers are no longer active and visits to the house have shown no sign of occupation. On approaching the local police we were advised that our loss was a civil matter and there was nothing that they could do.

Not only are we facing the loss of one of our machines but it will also impact on other disabled people who may wish to hire this machine over the coming months. We may be able to make an insurance claim but this sort of dishonesty must in future colour our perception of the hiring public, no matter what their disability.

Hopefully, this setback will remain 'a one off' as it will be a sad reflection on society if we are forced to review our hiring conditions to include a more legalistic approach.

Alan Rushton, chairman, Petersfield Shopmobility, Parsonage Close, Sheet