Gold Coast crime: Man get scar and thieves steal pensioner’s Getz, dentures

Gold Coast residents have thrown their support behind an elderly man whose stolen car was crashed and dumped in Southport, and bought him a new car.

A Gold Coast pensioner has been surprised with a new car to replace his stolen beloved vehicle.

Harry Sullivan had his red Hyundai Getz stolen from a shopping centre car park last week, along with his wallet and dentures that were in the car.

The Getz – gifted to him by his son Carl – was crashed by the burglar who fled the scene.

It’s believed the car was found dumped in Southport the morning after.

Mr Sullivan – who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder – had $3000 raised for a new car thanks to a local business supporting their friend.

Diesel Services Queensland branch manager Brian Ross said since posting about the incident on the business’s Facebook page about 10 people put money towards a replacement car.

“I know Harry and Carl well and it was devastating when I saw the story,” he said.

“In only seven days since the car was stolen the community raised the money to get him a new car.

“It does restore your faith in the community but I knew when I posted about the incident friends, neighbours and businesses would help out.”

Mr Ross said the new car was kept a surprise from Mr Sullivan, who was speechless when he received the gift.

‘Hand yourself in’: Thieves steal pensioner’s Getz, dentures

February 4, 2022

THE Gold Coast community has rallied around a pensioner who had his prized car, wallet and dentures stolen from a shopping centre carpark.

A red Hyundai Getz – believed to be the man’s stolen car – was found dumped in Southport on Wednesday morning after a driver crashed it and fled the scene.

Carl Sullivan said his elderly dad Harry – who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder – had recently fallen on hard times.

Before it was stolen, Harry was forced to live in the car for a few weeks because he could no longer afford to pay rent in Labrador.

“He was living in his car for a few weeks and when I found out, I got him to stay with us. Then I got him into his own accommodation,” Mr Sullivan said.

Things were just starting to look up for the elderly Labrador man when his car was stolen while he was out shopping last week.

The car was not insured and Mr Sullivan said the thieves also stole his dad’s wallet and top dentures which were inside at the time.

“He had been waiting years to get his dentures – that was the killer,” he said.

“He’s been through a massive amount of stress lately and has lost weight.”

Mr Sullivan had only gifted the Hyundai Getz to his dad in March last year.

“It was his pride and joy and just gave him a life. He’s completely devastated,” he said.

Since the car was stolen last week, there has been an outpouring of support from the Labrador community, who have donated money to pay the pensioner’s rent.

“We’ve got half of the Gold Coast looking for the car. There’s been a lot of support towards dad,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We have realised how good people are considering it was an unfortunate incident.

“But look how much love is going around, especially in these times.”

The driver who crashed the Hyundai was nowhere to be seen when Queensland Police officers arrived at the intersection of Nerang Rd and Minnie St just after 5.30am on Wednesday.

The Getz sustained significant front-end damage in the crash.

Mr Sullivan said he was just glad no one was hurt or killed during the incident.

He had this message for the car thief: “Hand yourself in. Grow up, get a job and don’t take advantage of people.”

Anyone who wishes to offer any support to Harry Sullivan can get in touch with the family via email: [e-mail]

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