Grandmother Pleas for Return of Stolen Tandem Bike; Her 12-Year-old Grandson With Special Needs Uses It

Janelle Wright pleads with the public for the return of the tandem bike that was stolen from her home that she uses with her grandson, who has special needs. Caleb Hooten, 12, who has microcephaly and health issues, rides the bike with his grandmother as the young man is terrified to ride alone. 

Due to the little boy's fear of riding a bike, his grandmother thought of purchasing a tandem bike and having him ride behind her to check if he won't be scared. The Ohio grandmother was thrilled that her grandson, Caleb, fell in love with the tandem bike, per 13 ABC. 

She bought the tandem bike during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 for $400 from Walmart, and they have it taken to the streets of Toledo ever since. 

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The grandmother said she was about to get the bike before yesterday to pick up Caleb from 7th grade at Ottawa River Elementary but found the beloved bike missing. She first worried about how Caleb would feel but then started getting mad at the person who stole the bike.

Due to the heat, they have not been on the bike since Point Place days in early June. 

While Wright appealed for the bike's return, she said she was already saving for a new tandem bike to share with Caleb.

Sacramento boy asks for help to track down his stolen custom bike

Another youngster with special needs had asked for his custom bike to be returned, KCRA 3 reported. 

Korrie Erickson, 11, from Sacramento, California, was confused about why people would steal something they don't even need. The Sacramento boy with special needs pleaded to the public to help him locate his stolen specialized therapeutic bike. The bike is a red boy ProSeries Amtyke Therapeutic Tricycle with serial #50FC1416, costing more than $1,000.

The young man was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. April Witt, the boy's mother, said they found out about the disorder when he was one year old. Korrie had a small blood clot in the middle of his brain. 

His parents decided to buy the bike because it helps him balance and walk. They dropped it off for him to use for therapy at school.

According to Sacramento Police Department, a report had already been filed regarding the stolen bike, and someone likely stole it between March 9 and March 14, 2022.

Invest in good-quality cable locks for your bikes

Bike Cleveland recommends installing good-quality cable locks to avoid your bike being stolen. Cheaper and older locks can be easily broken even without using any tools. Thus, invest in a good bike lock and make your bike the hardest one on the rack or garage to steal. Also, secure both the wheels and seat. Bikes are usually stolen from garages or shared basements.

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