Scootin' away: Thieves steal more than just wheels from 85-year-old resident
- Replies 7
In a world where we'd like to believe that our golden years can be spent in peace and security, the unsettling reality of crime can sometimes hit too close to home.
This was, unfortunately, the case for an elderly woman who experienced a jarring theft that stripped her of more than just a possession—it took away her independence.
As communities come together to support those affected, questions arise about the impact of such crimes on the well-being of older residents and the measures needed to ensure their safety.
The incident occurred in the seemingly safe confines of an aged care facility on the Burwood Hwy in Wantirna, Melbourne, where June Whitley, an 85-year-old resident, resides mostly independently.
Sometime during the night, between October 8 and 9, her red mobility scooter, which was parked in her driveway, was stolen.
The theft was discovered the following morning when June stepped outside to take out her rubbish, only to find an empty space where her scooter once stood.
‘It was such a shock,’ June recounted, expressing the disbelief that many of us would feel in her situation. ‘I just stood there with my mouth open.’
The mobility scooter wasn't just a vehicle; it was her lifeline to the world outside her home.
After giving up driving two years prior, the scooter became her primary means of transportation, allowing her to maintain her cherished independence.
According to June, the brazen act of theft within an aged care facility is particularly ‘disgusting’, highlighting a vulnerability that many seniors may not be aware of.
The facility, designed to cater to the needs of the elderly, including those requiring greater care, should be a sanctuary, not a hunting ground for opportunists.
June's scooter, valued at over $2,000 and insured for $3,000, was only two years old.
While she waits for her insurance claim to be processed, she's left to find alternative ways to get around, which is no small feat for someone who relies on a mobility aid.
‘I can’t understand it,’ June lamented.
‘Don’t pick on the elderly. We’ve worked hard.’
‘I don’t deserve this,’ she added.
The theft raises questions about the security measures in place at such facilities and the broader issue of safety for seniors in our communities.
It's a stark reminder that the elderly can be easy targets for criminals, and it's up to all of us to look out for our neighbours and loved ones.
Senior Constable Leanne Castle has suggested that the scooter, which is useless without its key, may have been stolen for parts or to be resold.
She's called on the community to be vigilant, especially on online selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where the red Invacare Pegasus Metro mobility scooter might surface.
Distinctive features such as an RACV sticker under the gears on the steering column and a black shopping bag on the back with a mobility scooter logo could help identify it.
As the police sift through CCTV footage in hopes of catching the perpetrator, they urge anyone with information, dashcam, or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
The recent theft of an elderly woman's mobility scooter has sparked conversations about the safety and security of older Australians in their communities.
Such incidents not only impact the immediate victims but also highlight the challenges faced by seniors who rely on mobility aids for their independence.
This concern is further underscored by a related incident involving an elderly individual on a mobility scooter who collided with a car while crossing a major road.
Both situations emphasise the need for heightened awareness and protective measures to ensure the safety of seniors navigating their surroundings.
Have you or someone you know experienced similar incidents? How do you ensure the safety and security of your possessions? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below, and let's work together to keep our communities safe for everyone, especially our most vulnerable citizens.
This was, unfortunately, the case for an elderly woman who experienced a jarring theft that stripped her of more than just a possession—it took away her independence.
As communities come together to support those affected, questions arise about the impact of such crimes on the well-being of older residents and the measures needed to ensure their safety.
The incident occurred in the seemingly safe confines of an aged care facility on the Burwood Hwy in Wantirna, Melbourne, where June Whitley, an 85-year-old resident, resides mostly independently.
Sometime during the night, between October 8 and 9, her red mobility scooter, which was parked in her driveway, was stolen.
The theft was discovered the following morning when June stepped outside to take out her rubbish, only to find an empty space where her scooter once stood.
An elderly woman in Wantirna, Melbourne, had her mobility scooter stolen from her driveway, compromising her independence. Credit: Instagram / 7NEWS Melbourne
‘It was such a shock,’ June recounted, expressing the disbelief that many of us would feel in her situation. ‘I just stood there with my mouth open.’
The mobility scooter wasn't just a vehicle; it was her lifeline to the world outside her home.
After giving up driving two years prior, the scooter became her primary means of transportation, allowing her to maintain her cherished independence.
According to June, the brazen act of theft within an aged care facility is particularly ‘disgusting’, highlighting a vulnerability that many seniors may not be aware of.
The facility, designed to cater to the needs of the elderly, including those requiring greater care, should be a sanctuary, not a hunting ground for opportunists.
June's scooter, valued at over $2,000 and insured for $3,000, was only two years old.
While she waits for her insurance claim to be processed, she's left to find alternative ways to get around, which is no small feat for someone who relies on a mobility aid.
‘I can’t understand it,’ June lamented.
‘Don’t pick on the elderly. We’ve worked hard.’
‘I don’t deserve this,’ she added.
The theft raises questions about the security measures in place at such facilities and the broader issue of safety for seniors in our communities.
It's a stark reminder that the elderly can be easy targets for criminals, and it's up to all of us to look out for our neighbours and loved ones.
Senior Constable Leanne Castle has suggested that the scooter, which is useless without its key, may have been stolen for parts or to be resold.
She's called on the community to be vigilant, especially on online selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where the red Invacare Pegasus Metro mobility scooter might surface.
Distinctive features such as an RACV sticker under the gears on the steering column and a black shopping bag on the back with a mobility scooter logo could help identify it.
As the police sift through CCTV footage in hopes of catching the perpetrator, they urge anyone with information, dashcam, or CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers.
The recent theft of an elderly woman's mobility scooter has sparked conversations about the safety and security of older Australians in their communities.
Such incidents not only impact the immediate victims but also highlight the challenges faced by seniors who rely on mobility aids for their independence.
This concern is further underscored by a related incident involving an elderly individual on a mobility scooter who collided with a car while crossing a major road.
Both situations emphasise the need for heightened awareness and protective measures to ensure the safety of seniors navigating their surroundings.
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