The mother of a boy who had his beloved go-kart and equipment stolen on Tuesday morning has released CCTV images capturing the moment the theft took place.
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A trailer carrying 10-year-old Zaiden Barry’s go-kart, racing suits, engines, safety equipment, protective gear, tools and trophies he had won over the past two years was stolen from a locked Mitchell Park yard.
Zaiden’s mother Jessica Aldridge said an electrical business across the road from the yard went through its security camera footage with some success and it appeared the theft occurred between 5.50am and 6am.
She said the black and white trailer was very distinctive and is appealing for information. The trailer has the words Full Boar Racing written across it with an image of a cartoon boar, the name Zaiden Barry at the top and the number 65.
Zaiden, a club champion at Haddon, only took up go-karting three years ago after racing motocross for several years.
The Delacombe Primary School pupil said he was shocked and upset when he came home from school to find his go-kart equipment stolen.
“It means everything to me and if I got it back I would probably cry,” Zaiden said.
“I got the go-kart for my 10th birthday. I was so happy and grateful.
“I love go-karting and I asked for one, but didn’t realise I would get one.”
The kart and equipment has been valued at $20,000.
It was one of two trailers stolen from the yard of an indoor go-karting business in Mentay Way, which was fenced and padlocked.
It is believed the thieves used an angle grinder to gain entry into the yard and cut a lock to release the trailer.
Zaiden needs the trailer and equipment returned so he can compete in the Tasmanian State Go-Karting Titles on November 20.
He already has a collection of around 43 trophies and has won his club championships two years running.
“I like go-karting because you get to see all of your friends every weekend and you get to compete and win trophies,” he said.
When news broke of the theft on social media, the post was met with plenty of sympathy from the Ballarat community – there were even offers of donations and requests for a GoFundMe campaign.
Ms Aldridge was appreciative of the response and said a fund had crossed her mind and was something she would consider.
For the time being, however, she was still holding out hope that the trailer would be found and returned.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
It means everything to me and if I got it back I would probably cry. I got the go-kart for my 10th birthday.
- Zaiden Barry, 10
