The positive messages of fair play and respect seen throughout last week’s AFL Inclusion Carnival have been sharply contrasted with a brazen theft at the weekend.
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Tasmania team captain Alan Dengate returned to his unit at Newstead after the carnival’s closing ceremony to find his scooter had been taken.
When police found the Zoot Scooter on Sunday night at Alanvale, it was damaged almost beyond repair.
Tasmania Police Senior Constable Steve Ockerby described the theft as a “low act”.
“It’s very disappointing,” he said.
“The top box off has been ripped off, which has damaged the rear, and it has also been resprayed,” he said.
“Whoever it was has tried to get to the battery to start it, and left it in a pretty bad condition.”
It was a tough end to the week for Mr Dengate, who led the state team in the first Inclusion Carnival to be held in Tasmania.
The national competition brings together footballers with an intellectual disability for a round-robin series of AFL matches. The 28-year-old had the scooter for 18 months, and it was parked outside his unit with the steering wheel and brake lock on at the time of the incident.
Mr Dengate works alternatively in care homes at Rocherlea and Norwood, and said the scooter was his main form of transport.
“I don’t drive, so the scooter is what I use to get to work,” he said.
“Without it, I will have to to catch buses or ride a push bike, but they are long distances to travel.
“I really need the scooter.”
Anyone with information can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
