Isobella Ellen, 11, had her new bike stolen just weeks after donating her old one.
A WENDOUREE family has been left heartbroken after thieves stole a girl’s new bike just weeks after she donated her old one to bushfire victims.
Isobella Ellen, 11, donated her old bike to a little girl who lost the majority of her outdoor toys and possessions, including her bike, in the recent Carngham-Chepstowe fires.
Upon receiving a new bike for her birthday, Isobella woke to the news on Sunday that her new bike – now just two weeks old – had been stolen.
The theft comes after her aunt, Kylie Ellen, lost her home during the same fires while Isobella’s dog was staying at the property.
The dog didn’t survive the blaze.
Mum Carina Rimon said the weekend theft was a cruel blow to a very kind-hearted little girl.
“Nobody told her to donate her bike, she’s just done it because she’s a great kid,” Ms Rimon said.
“She had grown out of her old bike and she knew she was getting a new one for her birthday, so when the fires happened and we heard about the little girl, she decided to give her the old bike.”
Ms Rimon said she couldn’t believe the theft had occurred.
“I’m very angry,” she said.
“For someone to just come and do this ... it’s just unbelievable.”
Ms Rimon said she had reported the theft to police and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The bike is a 24-inch (60cm) light purple Repco bike with “Grace” printed on the side.
It was taken from Alexander Avenue in Wendouree some time on Saturday.
Anyone with information on the bike can call Ballarat police on 5336 6000.
jordan.oliver@fairfaxmedia.com.au