Thieves strip beloved Warwick character Tom Potts of independence once again

‘It is very disappointing, he’s devastated’: Family say the beloved Warwick character has been left heartbroken after his bike and only mode of transport was stolen from his home for the second time.

TARGETED: Warwick character Tom Potts has been targeted by opportunistic thieves for the second time in only a few years, once again losing his bike and main source of independence. Picture: Warwick Daily News

Only a few years after a brazen theft left him without a mode of transport, Tom Potts has once again had his main source of independence stripped away by opportunistic thieves.

The well-known Warwick character was shocked to discover his distinctive Giant GX28 mountain bike, which was brightly coloured and fitted out with a trailer hitch, had been stolen from his home on Tuesday night.

With the set of wheels Mr Potts’ only way of getting to work at the Endeavour facility and around town under his own steam, his mum Meg Calvert said the theft was a devastating blow.

“(The bike) is usually in his carport or in his bike stand, so someone’s had to come right onto his property and into his carport to take it,” Mrs Calvert said.

“He was pretty upset and devastated. He and his stepdad searched all around and found his helmet just around the block, but there as no sign of the bike.

“I can’t understand the mentality of someone who would do this. This is Tom’s only mode of transport and independence, so I just can’t understand how these people think.”

The brazen crime comes only years after Mr Potts’ bike was stolen from outside the Condamine Medical Centre while he was attending an appointment in 2018.

Tom Potts with his new bike in 2018, generously donated by Warwick real estate agent Andrew Williams. Picture: WDN

Mr Potts told the Daily News at the time he was “very angry and upset” and called on the “mongrels” to return his prized possession.

After a week of fruitless searching, the Warwick community rallied around one of its favourite characters.

Warwick real estate agent Andrew Williams generously gifted him with a new bike, and the Warwick Big W team also chipped in to donate all the other supplies Mr Potts would need to get back out on the roads.

Another anonymous donation was made to put in the “Tom Potts bike rack” outside the Condamine Medical Centre in 2019.

Tom Potts with mother Meg Calvert and Narelle Lowry at the unveiling of the “Tom Potts bike rack” at the Condamine Medical Centre in 2019. Picture: Marian Faa / Warwick Daily News

With her son now once again losing his only mode of transport, Mrs Calvert said she just wanted to see him get his full independence back.

“I did have (the bike) insured, so I’ve put a claim in for insurance so we can get another bike as quick as we can for him,” she said.

“He’s got a second-hand bike in the shed he can use for now, but because it’s the only way for him to get around it’s got to be a good quality one.

“The majority of the community do stand up and support (Tom), and I just want to thank the community for that support.”

Mr Potts’ bike is described as orange and blue in colour with white writing, and has a worn seat and a trailer hitch attached to the back.

Anyone with information should contact Warwick police on 4660 4444.

Originally published as Thieves strip beloved Warwick character Tom Potts of independence once again