Disabled Otago driver without mobility after car thieves steal keys and torch car after joyride

Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen a white Holden VT Commodore driving around Clutha District. The car had a unique left-foot accelerator enabling its owner to drive it. Photo / File

By Luke Kirkness

Police are investigating the theft of a car that has left its disabled owner without independent mobility.

The keys were stolen and vehicle taken overnight from the owners' home yesterday on Poole St in Kaitangata, Otago.

The white Holden VT Commodore had a unique left-foot accelerator that enabled its owner to drive it.

Police report that it may have been driven throughout South Otago before being driven through paddocks.

The car was later found stuck at the Wangaloa Domain - about 6km away - burnt out so it could not be returned to its owner.

"It is disturbing that the vehicle was stolen from a vulnerable person leaving him without any independent mobility," said Senior Sergeant Cynthia Fairley.

"It was bad enough to target a vulnerable person, but thieves went on to burn it out so it could not be returned to the owner.

"This theft will have a huge impact on this victim's life."

Police are interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the vehicle driving around the Clutha District.

If you have any information, please contact your local police station, or anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.