Barrie police and residents are hoping that a ramp used by people with mobility issues is returned soon after being stolen in broad daylight Sunday afternoon along a busy city street.
City police received an online report on Monday about a ramp that had been stolen from a multi-unit home at 179 Bayfield St.
The ramp, which is used by people with physical disabilities, was taken sometime Sunday between noon and 6 p.m., in what Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon called “a disturbing daylight theft.”
“It's obviously a means for people with access issues to come and go, and the ramp is a much-needed item here,” Leon told BarrieToday on Wednesday. “We’re hoping someone with information will help us locate it, or if a scrap yard has taken one in we would certainly like to get it back.”
Kerry, who didn't want his last name used, contacted BarrieToday to say he was very frustrated at the whole situation.
“Who does that? Who steals a disabled person’s ramp? It's about a $600 ramp, but you’re only going to get about $30 or $40 at the scrap yard for it,” he said. “It's made out of aluminum, so that's the only thing I can think of as to why someone would take it.”
Kerry said that at least one person, his friend who lives at the Bayfield residence, needs the ramp for his scooter.
“That's got to be the lowest of the low,” Kerry said. “I mean, we might be able to put something together for now, but ideally it would be good to get the strong aluminum one down the road.”
Leon said he hopes that whoever took the ramp has a change of heart. He also urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
"Let's just get this ramp back to those who need it," he said.
