The mother of a six-year-old girl with disabilities expressed deep distress after her daughter’s specialized wheelchair was stolen just days before the holiday season, making it challenging for the family to maintain their normal routine.
Emily Riley-Dolan, residing in Leicestershire, suffers from spina bifida and is paralyzed from the chest down, relying entirely on her wheelchair for mobility. The wheelchair, valued at approximately £4,000, was inside the family’s grey Peugeot 5008 – registration FH25 XZU – when the vehicle was stolen from their residence on Woodland Drive, Braunstone Town, during the early hours of Sunday morning, according to Leicestershire Police.
Amy Riley, Emily’s mother, appealed to the thieves to return the wheelchair, emphasizing its crucial importance to her daughter’s daily life. She highlighted that without the wheelchair, Emily would face difficulties attending hospital appointments, school, and other activities, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The stolen wheelchair was scheduled for replacement next year, but the new customized chair is currently in production in New Zealand to meet Emily’s specific requirements, as stated by Leicestershire Police. Additionally, some of the family’s Christmas gifts were also taken during the theft.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, suspecting the theft occurred at approximately 4:30 am. Pc Ricard Smith from Leicestershire Police expressed concern over the distress caused to the family and the impact on Emily’s mobility and independence. He urged anyone with information to contact the police and appealed to the responsible party to do the right thing and return the wheelchair for Emily’s sake.
Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact 101 or report online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference 25*744074.