Townsville single mum, son struggling to feel safe again after nightmare break-in

A Townsville single mum says her six-year-old autistic son has been plagued by nightmares after thieves ransacked their home and torched their car, leaving them without transport for his weekly medical appointments.

Hermit Park mum Bianca Burns says her 6-year-old special needs son Connor has been barely sleeping after thieves broke into their home and stole their car before torching it later on. Picture: Evan Morgan

Bianca Burns, a single mum from Hermit Park, is facing an unimaginable challenge after thieves broke into her home, stole her car, and later torched it, leaving her without a way to take her six-year-old son, Connor, to his essential medical appointments.

Connor, who has autism and a congenital heart defect, requires weekly medical care, including therapy sessions for speech, psychology, occupational, and physiotherapy.

For Bianca, her 2001 Toyota Echo was a lifeline, ensuring her son could receive the care he needs to manage his complex conditions.

With the car destroyed and insurance unable to fully cover the cost of a replacement, she now finds herself scrambling to find a solution to this heartbreaking situation.

The incident happened early on Sunday morning when Bianca and Connor woke up to find their Hermit Park home ransacked.

Along with the car, the thieves took personal items, including two phones, Connor’s Nintendo Switch, and even his Tooth Fairy money.

Bianca believes the offenders were likely kids, as they also took her son’s chocolates and strawberry Squeezy yoghurt from the fridge.

The burnt remains of their 2001 Toyota Echo that was stolen a home in Hermit Park on Sunday, October 6. Picture: Supplied

Just hours after the break-in, her Toyota Echo was found burnt out on Old Common Road at around 3am.

The home intrusion has taken a huge emotional toll on both Bianca and her son.

“My son’s having nightmares, so he’s waking up at least three or four times a night. I think I’ve probably had like, 20-minute naps here and there,” Bianca shared.

The single mum says this bad experience has given her a greater appreciation for what other victims of crime in her community go through.

“When I see a post about a stolen car online now I’m like, those poor buggers, I hope their car isn’t set on fire,” she said.

“I hope they don’t have children who also don’t feel safe. That’s really doing my head in now. It makes me hurt more knowing that there are kids out there also being impacted by crime. Sure pick on me, a 41-year-old. Come at me but don’t hurt my six-year-old.”

Connor sits in their new car seat, on his bed, which arrived today. Hermit Park mum Bianca Burns says her 6-year-old special needs son Connor has been barely sleeping after thieves broke into their home and stole their car before torching it later on. Picture: Evan Morgan

Friends and the local community have rallied around the small family, launching a GoFundMe campaign to help Bianca replace the car and ensure that Connor can continue attending his ongoing medical appointments.

For now, a friend has lent them a spare car, providing temporary relief in this difficult time.

“I’m not picky by any means, I just need something to get me to and from my son’s medical appointments,” she said.

“Next Wednesday was my big problem, because he was born with congenital heart defects and has to get his something removed soon so we have our pre-admission appointments for that we have to get to.”

Police investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made at this stage.

You can help here: https://gofund.me/374bf3f7

Originally published as Townsville single mum, son struggling to feel safe again after nightmare break-in