An 83-year-old Korean War veteran is struggling to get around after his mobility scooter was snatched by an unscrupulous con man in the Fraser Valley.

Abbotsford, B.C. resident Bert Wiebe was just outside his local Legion on Friday when a stranger approached and took an interest in his scooter.

Wiebe said the crook, who identified himself as “Kevin,” seemed nice, and even offered to fix the scooter’s broken headlight – only to drive off on it moments after being handed the keys.

Asked what he thinks about the calculating thief on Monday, Wiebe didn’t mince words: “Pretty damn low,” he said.

Police agree. They’re asking anyone with information on the heartless theft to come forward and assist in their investigation.

“This is a pretty deplorable act,” Const. Paul Walker said. “[The scooter's] a mode of transportation that he relies on daily to get around for his normal activities.”

The scooter is described as a red Pride Scooter with a roof, a windshield and a black basket attached to the front. The suspect is believed to be a white man in his 40s, 5-8 tall, with an average build and short, brown hair.

Wiebe said he hopes the mobility scooter shows up soon, because with a price tag around $5,000, having it replaced isn’t an option.

“I have to come up with some cash to buy another one, but I haven’t got the money,” he said.

Anyone with tips on the whereabouts of the suspect or scooter can contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s St. John Alexander