Since getting his first go-kart six weeks ago, Connor Jones has been a fixture at his local track, and dreams of one day becoming a V8 Supercar driver.
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But those dreams were dealt a blow on Wednesday morning, when the six-year-old woke to find his new favourite toy missing from his family’s garage in Maiden Gully.
Connor’s mother, Sara Hunt, said her young son had been “devastated” by the theft.
“There were a few tears,” she said.
“He didn’t go to school today, he’s a bit worried that the bad people will come back.”
Ms Hunt said she had had reservations about buying the go-kart for the young thrill-seeker, but had relented as Connor was “obsessed” with motor racing.
“All he ever does is play cars, he’s not really a sporty child so I thought maybe give him a hobby,” she said.
“He’s been wanting to go every time the go-kart track is open, which is four days a week, and he’s getting pretty quick.
“He’s determined that he wants to be a V8 Supercar driver.”
Ms Hunt said there was no sign of forced entry to the garage, but one of its door openers had been missing for two weeks.
She said nothing else was taken and police were investigating.
In a Facebook post appealing for help to find the culprits, Ms Hunt said Connor had "lost a little bit of faith in others and his feeling of safety at home".
Anyone with information should contact the Bendigo Police Station on 5448 1300.