Shellharbour Father's Adapted Vehicle Stolen and Destroyed in Brazen Home Invasion
A father from Shellharbour, who lives with a rare disability, has been left devastated after thieves allegedly broke into his home while his young children slept, stealing and burning the car specially tailored to his mobility needs. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, has resulted in estimated losses exceeding $30,000, leaving the family struggling to recover.
Early Morning Break-In and Car Theft
The 39-year-old father, identified only as Jamie, woke at 4 a.m. on Saturday to discover the fridge door open and the front door ajar at his NSW South Coast residence. Moments later, he witnessed two individuals driving his Mitsubishi Outlander out of the driveway, prompting an immediate call to the police. Authorities located the stolen vehicle approximately 15 minutes later, initiating a pursuit that was abandoned due to safety concerns. By 6:30 a.m., the car was found dumped about one kilometer from Jamie's home, engulfed in flames.
Impact on the Family and Unique Challenges
Jamie, who was born without forearms, relies on a vehicle adapted to his mobility needs to safely operate steering and controls. His brother-in-law, David, explained that Jamie has worked tirelessly to build an independent life despite his condition, which affects only a small number of people in Australia. The stolen car, only two years old, was uninsured, compounding the financial burden. In addition to the vehicle, the family lost work tools, a work fridge, two child car seats, an engagement ring, an iPad, a handbag, a can of soft drink, and a six-pack of beer.
The emotional toll is profound, with David noting that Jamie is haunted by the thought of what could have happened if the intruders had entered his children's rooms. Five days after the incident, Jamie remains on edge, frequently checking doors for security. David emphasized that Jamie's resilience and hard work have always been central to his character, making this loss particularly heartbreaking.
Community Support and Ongoing Investigation
To assist Jamie and his wife Sarah in recovering from this setback, family members have established a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraising page highlights the challenges of replacing the adapted vehicle, as Jamie can only drive specific models suited to his condition. Finding and setting up a suitable replacement will take a huge toll on the family financially, the page states, appealing for community support to help Jamie continue working, studying, and supporting his family.
Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact Lake Illawarra Police or Crime Stoppers. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with disabilities and the critical need for community solidarity in times of crisis.
