A DISABLED man could only watch as a burglar searched his home and stole the one item that linked him to the outside world.
Confined to his wheelchair, the 55-year-old man was devastated when the thief ran off with his laptop.
The computer enabled the multiple sclerosis sufferer to contact friends and family and also retain his independence in his own home.
He is now considering installing a burglar alarm.
The man, who did not wish to be named said: "I can only hope that he is thinking of the impact of what he has done to a vulnerable person has had.
"It is upsetting that someone can so easily make his way into a disabled person's home and brazenly steal."
The businessman who has battled MS for 15 years said he greatly missed the black Dell laptop.
He said: "I have missed being online. It means I can't get in touch with people.
"I don't get out much. Being within these four walls is limiting. It was my contact with the world and meant I could communicate."
The man's brother said: "It is sickening. My brother had to sit and watch as he stole the items.
"All he could do was sit unable to confront the burglar."
An alarm connected to a remote device was activated when the victim pushed the button to call the police, causing the burglar to flee.
He is having a new window fitted as a rear bedroom window was smashed to gain access between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday, October 22.
The thief used a screwdriver stolen from the man's garage.
A Humberside Police spokeswoman said: "The offender is believed to have entered the resident's insecure garage and stolen a screwdriver, which he took into the property before stealing the man's laptop computer, a cheque book and a set of keys."
Anyone with information is urged to call Humberside Police on 101, quoting crime reference 1937490.
