Thieves steal car, wheelchair from well-known disability advocate

A well-known disability advocate who suffers from a rare muscle condition will be housebound for at least nine months if the police are cannot recover her car and custom electric wheelchair, after it was stolen early Friday morning.

Prominent disability advocate Alyce Nelligan has asked for the thieves who stole her car and wheelchair to park the vehicle somewhere public and walk away as she fears both items may be destroyed.

If the car, which contains her custom-built electric wheelchair, is torched then Ms Nelligan will be housebound for about nine months as she waits for a replacement.

“The wheelchair was made for me and to get it replaced I first have to apply for NDIS funding, then wait for it to be approved before it can be built, shipped and fitted,” she said.

“I am quite small and I have very specific needs.”

“They are about $10,000.”

The wheelchair was designed for Ms Nelligan, who is affected by a rare muscle condition that leaves her unable to walk.

Disability advocate and Green candidate Alyce Nelligan is asking that the thieves who stole her custom wheelchair to leave it somewhere public as arranging a replacement will take at least nine months and she can't leave home without it.

While she has a second chair for use indoors, it is much larger and fitted with hydraulic lifts so that she can care for her children and maintain her family home.

“It is quite heavy and cannot be transported but I am completely reliant on my chair,” Ms Nelligan said.

It is understood a group of thieves targeted several homes in the Cambooya area shortly after 12am on Friday.

Ms Neeligan said her family woke to the sound of someone revving her white 2004 BMW 3 Series sedan in the driveway and her husband was able to make it out in time to see the thieves drive off.

Police are looking for this 2004 BMW 3 Series after it was stolen from Cambooya shortly after 12am on Friday, May 19.

Along with her wheelchair in the boot, the car also contained a booster seat and disability parking permit and Ms Nelligan said the offenders must have known that he targeted a person with special needs.

“I would really love them to park it somewhere and walk away, please don’t destroy something that is going to leave me housebound,” she said.

“Have your fun, park it up and leave it alone.

“You have not just taken my legs, you have taken the car that fits my wheelchair.,”

Toowoomba police are investigating the matter and anyone with information about the offence is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444.