Wollongbar, Northern Rivers woman Beth Whaanga’s heartache after car, wheelchair theft

A Northern Rivers woman living with a spinal injury has been left devastated after a callous crook broke into her home and stole not only her car – but her wheelchair too.

Beth Whaanga and her children. Picture: GoFundMe/Supplied.

A Northern Rivers woman with a spinal injury has been left devastated after a callous crook broke into her home and stole not only her car – but her wheelchair too.

On Monday, Beth Whaanga woke in her Wollongbar home to find her car, a brand new mobility wheelchair, crutches, medications and other valuables were gone.

NSW Police have launched an investigation into the theft some 20km northwest of Ballina

In a positive turn of events, officers found the woman’s vehicle, a Mazda 6 sedan. But the fate of the wheelchair was still up in the air on Friday afternoon.

“Between 12am and 6am on Monday September 9, a not yet known person/s broke into a home on Smiths Lane, Wollongbar,” a police spokesman confirmed in a statement.

“Several items were stolen including a Mazda 6 Sedan, which contained a wheelchair and prescription medication.

“Richmond Police District were subsequently notified and commenced inquiries into the incident.

“About 3.15pm on Wednesday, police located the vehicle unattended on Diadem Lane, Lismore.

NSW police officers were able to locate Ms Whaanga’s stolen car. Photo: Tom Parrish

“The vehicle was seized before being towed to undergo forensic examination.”

More information has been sought from police regarding the wheelchair.

An online GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Ms Whaanga, who wrote a heartfelt message on the page.

“My name is Beth and I have a spinal cord injury. I require crutches, a wheelchair and my car to mobilise and attend medical appointments,” she said.

“On Monday the 9th of September our home was robbed and car stolen.

“Many valuable items where stolen but there are several that need urgent replacing including my car, a brand new wheelchair, special crutches, medication and other valuables lost in the theft.

“The police are not confident in the return of any of this property.

“Please help us replace these items so I can continue to attend appointments and meet my medical needs.”

A suspect has not been apprehended and no one has been charged.

Ms Whaanga has been contacted for comment.

The fundraiser has generated $240 towards a $10,000 target.

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