Paralympian: Car thieves stole my independence

Jim Savage. Photo / Alan Gibson

A former paralympian says he has lost his independence after thieves stole his car and tore out the hand controls he used to drive it.

Jim Savage, who won 20 medals in a range of sports while representing New Zealand, had his Nissan Pulsar taken last week.

It was found on Saturday night in a Kawerau reserve, rammed against a tree.

Senior Sergeant Mark van der Kley of the Kawerau police said the controls, which enabled Mr Savage to drive without the use of his legs, were apparently torn out and thrown away.

"It is annoying losing my independence." said Mr Savage. "My wife, who works every day helping the elderly, needed the car as well. It is not nice to come home and find your car gone."

Mr Savage, 73, was one of the Herald's unsung heroes last year.

He has made such an impression on his community in Whakatane that it has rallied to provide new transport for him.

He said he was more concerned about finding the missing hand controls.

The devices - two rods that could be clamped on or unclamped in minutes - were difficult to replace, and cost about $2000.

Mr Savage was made an MBE in 1976 for services to the community. His legs were amputated when he was 22 after he contracted polio.

The thieves left several items in Mr Savage's car, including a Community Services Card, a cheque, a pink lighter and several papers.

"It is an annoying crime," said Mr van der Kley.

"We suspect they have just thrown the controls in the river."