A small business owner has helped a 92-year-old Echuca man subject to two thefts.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Simon Stewart believes in karma.
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When the small business owner saw that a 92-year-old Echuca man had his mobility scooter stolen, Mr Stewart acted on his belief.
He contacted Echuca Police Station and asked to get in touch with the man, who police named as Max.
Mr Stewart reached out to him and offered to lend a replacement scooter he had bought previously for his father, which Max accepted.
“He personally wanted to come out and collect it with his next-door neighbour,” Mr Stewart said.
Unfortunately, when Max came to collect the scooter from Mr Stewart at Impact Auto Electrical, he had been subject to a second theft the same morning.
Max’s vehicle was stolen from his property in the early hours of Wednesday, January 22, according to Victoria Police, about one day after his scooter was taken.
“The poor old fella was rattled,” Mr Stewart said.
“He was out here three or four hours after his car had been stolen and backed out through his front gates. It makes your blood boil.
“We exchanged a handshake, and I said I hope he’s all well ... and I just said it’s up to him to have the scooter for as long as he wanted.”
Mr Stewart, the owner of Impact Auto Electrical, was happy to help out a community member.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Mr Stewart said he was glad to give back to the community, especially because he had experienced its generosity.
“Like anyone, everyone has a story. We’re currently going through one ourselves with our step-son having brain surgery in Brisbane,” Mr Stewart said.
As the step-dad of Parker Finn, who has had an extensive battle with a rare tumour, Mr Stewart said his family had received plenty of help from residents and groups.
“I’m a big believer in what comes around goes around,” he said.
“If I can help someone else out in some little way, shape or form — or a sporting club or any organisation — as a small business, I’m happy to do so.”
A Bendigo man, who police allege stole Max’s Mazda 2 sedan, has since been charged with motor vehicle theft.
The man was not charged in relation to the stolen mobility scooter, which is yet to be recovered by police.
A Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit spokesperson said a stolen mobility scooter, belonging to Max, was found on Wednesday, January 29.
The spokesperson said it was recovered at around 10.45am from a property in Echuca, and had disappointingly been damaged.
An investigation into the theft is ongoing, with the scooter to undergo forensic examination.
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