A COMMUNITY fundraiser has been launched after heartless thieves stole a disabled man’s car along with his wheelchair in Capel Sound, leaving him without vital mobility.
Daniel Laing, 39, was asleep when four intruders broke into his garage before stealing his Holden Berlina station wagon about 1.15am on 12 August.
The car had special hand controls installed to help him drive with a wheelchair that he uses for work sitting in the front passenger’s seat.
It is a massive blow for the disability advocate who can no longer get to work or appointments.
Although his car was found a few hours later in Hastings, it was badly damaged, including its windows smashed while his wheelchair was found dumped on the side of the road in Capel Sound, which will now need significant repairs.
The hand controls, which give him the ability to drive, were cut out of the car and dumped in Capel Sound, which he said were now useless.
To make matters worse, his insurance company has deemed the car a write-off, with his policy covering only its market value, meaning the payout would be roughly half of what it will cost to replace the car.
“I can’t just buy another car and off I go. I have to get it modified so it’s incredibly distressing,” he said, adding he had been feeling anxious at night since the break-in.
“It’s just disgusting how they can leave my wheelchair on the side of the road and my hand controls.”
Laing was born with spina bifida and is dedicated to raising awareness as well as working for a Mornington Peninsula disability provider where he organises disability seminars, visiting schools, businesses and community groups.
Laing, who can use another wheelchair that he had in his home, said he could not fathom how “completely disrespectful” people could act.
Despite the trauma, he said he’s been overwhelmed by the community support saying he was truly grateful.
A GoFundMe, established with the help of Mornington MP Chris Crewther and community member Finn Mackay, has been launched to help Laing get around in a wheelchair-friendly taxi or other transport means, which has so far raised an incredible $11,195.
“I just want to say everyone’s just been so amazing and incredible. I can’t thank them enough. I feel very supported,” Laing said.
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.
A police spokesperson said the stolen car was found blocking the intersection of Frankston-Flinders and Hodgins roads in Hastings just before 5am on the morning of the theft.
“The car, which was unoccupied and had broken windows, was towed from the scene for forensic examination,” the spokesperson said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-daniel-drive-again
First published in the Mornington News – 26 August 2025
