A Coogee mother has issued a heartfelt appeal after her young son's custom-made disability bicycle was stolen from their property on Saturday night.
Desperate Search for Custom Bike
Nathasha Stokes is urging the community to remain vigilant for the distinctive bike, which is exceptionally small and was specifically designed to accommodate the needs of her son Harley.
The white bicycle features black handles, two wheels, and a grey hamper basket attached at the back.
Ms Stokes took to Facebook on Sunday morning upon discovering the theft, pleading with locals to 'please help' locate it.
'Anyone riding this will not look right as it's a very small bike for a short-statured child,' she wrote.
'This bike is especially made for my son so he can ride and socialise with his peers. Please, please look out for this bike.'
School and Community Rally Behind Family
Harley is a student at CBC Fremantle, and the school quickly followed Ms Stokes' lead by sharing its own Facebook post seeking assistance.
'One of our much loved students Harley recently had his bicycle stolen. It's been heart-breaking for him and his family and we are all hoping it is safely returned soon. Replacing it will take months, which makes this even harder,' CBC Fremantle posted.
'Right now, our first hope is that Harley's bike is returned. But no matter what happens, we will do everything we can to make sure Harley has a bike again.'
The school noted that many students have expressed a desire to raise funds for a replacement bicycle if the original is not recovered.
Outpouring of Support Online
Social media users have flooded the comments with messages of support and outrage.
'So sad and cruel, I hope that person has a heart and gives it back, it's disgusting,' one person wrote.
'Disgusting. As my two sons have autism, I know how hard it is to get tailor-made items,' another commenter added.
Others have offered to help source a replacement or contribute to a potential GoFundMe campaign should the bike remain missing.
