THIEVES used a disabled pensioner's wheelchair as a shopping trolley, filling it with items as they ransacked her home.
The burglars struck at the bungalow in Marx Crescent, South Stanley, County Durham, while the 80-year-old woman was asleep.
They stood on rubbish bags to gain access to a bedroom window that had been left open.
Once inside, they loaded the wheelchair with goods and pushed it to the front door of the house.
But the door was securely locked and the thieves abandoned their haul. They left through the open window, making off with cash and a bottle of temazepam sleeping tablets.
Detective Chief Inspector Ronnie Vine, of Derwentside CID, said: "This is a despicable crime against a disabled, elderly woman who was clearly vulnerable.
"Whoever did this must have known who they were stealing from, because they used her wheelchair."
The burglary took place overnight, on Tuesday, March 18.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Derwentside CID, on (01207) 504204.
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