Port Lincoln community rallies behind grandmother after her car was stolen and torched

It might not be shiny, or brand-spankin’ new, but it means the world to this grandmother, who is mobile again after her car was stolen and torched.

A 73-year-old grandmother was left depressed and worried when her car was stolen and torched - but then the Port Lincoln community stepped in.

Kay Rose was shocked by the theft of her car in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Cronin Ave resident was woken by her neighbour at about 7am to discover her silver Holden Astra missing from her shed.

Thieves had broken in to Ms Rose’s home, stealing her handbag and keys before wedging her gates open with bricks for a quick getaway.

Owners of Groen Auto Detailers Paul and his wife Huia Groen teamed with locals to buy Kay Rose a replacement Toyota Camry within a matter of hours of the theft of her previous vehicle. Picture: Micaela Stark

The vehicle was later found at Murray Point destroyed by fire after being torched.

“Kids go out there because there’s scrub and a dirt road and they can do burnouts,” Ms Rose said.

“They lost control of the thing but went and took the number plates off and burned it.”

In a passionate Facebook outpouring, Ms Rose lamented a senseless crime.

“My independence has been stolen, personal effects stolen and burned,” Ms Rose wrote.

“I did not have much but now I face the bill of removing my transport and replacing other goods burned in fire.”

Ms Rose's Holden Astra was found burnt out at Murray Point after thieves stole it and torched the vehicle early hours Sunday morning. Picture: Kay Rose

The three-time widower moved to Port Lincoln early this year to be closer to family, purchasing the 2000 Holden to run errands.

The Facebook post quickly gained traction from locals offering words of support, assistance and requesting bank details to donate money.

Within hours, Grant Stagg, his wife Narelle, Paul Groen from Groen Auto Detailing and others had bought Ms Rose a replacement vehicle - a 1999 white Toyota Camry sourced from a local private seller, who dropped the price to $1500.

Ms Rose was reduced to tears when Mr Groen arrived at her Cronin Ave home with a replacement car. Picture: Micaela Stark

“I just feel sorry for her, I mean if it was my mother I’d be devastated,” Mr Groen said.

The grandmother and mother-of-five was overwhelmed by their generosity and said it was not what she expected to come from posting her grievances online.

“I was in tears,” she said, anticipating having to borrow money to purchase a new car.

“Paul came around with the car and it helped tremendously to know that somebody actually cared.”

Paul Groen, Kay Rose and Huia Groen with the replacement vehicle they sourced for Kay Rose. Picture: Micaela Stark

SAPOL figures analysed by the Sunday Mail suggest crime in Port Lincoln has reduced this year compared to last, despite daily complaints of theft and break-ins on community Facebook pages.

“I think it’s time there were security cameras in the streets of this town. The amount of thefts and trespassing is horrendous,” said one Facebook user.

“Council might need to install cameras at the entrance to Murray’s as it seem to be very popular dumping ground,” commented another.