A Melton man is upset after thieves stole his only mode of transport – his customised bicycle – on Valentine’s Day.
Trent Monks and his wife, who are both deaf, were sleeping when the offenders unlocked a side gate and stole the mountain bike from their backyard.
The couple had moved into the house, their first rental property, only a week before the incident.
Mr Monks’s mum Elaine Charles said a neighbour heard a loud screeching noise about 5.30am on Tuesday, February 14.
“Trent’s bedroom is right beside the gate and when you open the gate, the lock drags across the concrete and makes a really loud noise,” Ms Charles said. “But being deaf, they couldn’t hear it. So that’s why we’re thinking it must be someone who knows they’re deaf.”
Mr Monks said he has been unable to sleep at night following the incident.
Through a GoFundMe page, the family is hoping to raise enough money for Mr Monks to purchase a new bike as well as security lights and a dog for added safety.
Ms Charles said her son had gone through many difficulties, and she asked, “Is there any good left in the world?”
“With GoFundMe, I wanted to show him that despite all the negativity, there was good in people,” she said.
“This has also really scared me because all I could think of was, can you imagine someone breaking into the house, getting into the kids’ bedroom. This isn’t just about the bike; it makes you realise how vulnerable Trent really is.”
Victoria Police spokeswoman Anthoula Moutis said police were investigating the theft of the mountain bike, which is described as black, with an 80cc motor fitted to it. The front wheel is white and the back wheel black.
Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
To donate:, visit gofundme.com/trents-family.
