Theft means sick toddler stuck indoors

Karen Jeffries with her daughter Zoe was burgled overnight, they took her daughter's garden toys and bbq. Photo / APN

A Rotorua toddler with cerebral palsy and epilepsy has to stay indoors after all her outdoor play equipment was stolen.

A new swing and slide set, an outdoor clam shell set, a paddling pool and a gazebo were stolen from Karen and Adam Jeffries' Rimu St home. Without the shade provided by the gazebo, Zoe cannot go outside because prolonged exposure to the sun causes her to have seizures. A barbecue belonging to the family was also stolen.

Mr and Mrs Jeffries said they woke last Thursday morning to find all of Zoe's outdoor toys gone. The swing set was an early Christmas present for her from her grandparents, Mrs Jeffries said.

The pieces of equipment helped Zoe with her development.

"They provide her with sensations and feelings that she can't experience herself. It was just heartbreaking to see that it was all gone."

When Zoe was born she had seizures and stopped breathing, leading to cerebral palsy. She cannot stand or speak.

Police are investigating.

- APN