Thieves steal more than bike; they steal family's way of life
PORTLAND, Ore. – Thieves struck boldly when they stole a locked up tricycle in the middle of the day in front of a family's house Sunday.
The Buchanans' tricycle was more than just for fun - it was a crucial part of their way of life, and they depended on it in several ways.
Terra Buchanan spent a long time saving up for that $300 bike, and it's become an invaluable part of their family. It's not only helped her health but also her wallet when she can't afford gas. It's also helped their family bond.
As a single mother with limited funds, Buchanan is creative about helping her girls, Athena and Clara, find ways to have fun.
"We don’t have cable, we don't have a lot of extras, we don't go to movies, we go out and we go bike riding, we go to the park and that's our entertainment," Buchanan said. "We just can't afford the extra things."
Buchanan was finally able to ride with her girls after buying the red Schwinn tricycle. But it's more than just entertainment: it helps her get to work when money is tight for gas.
"I'm working on-call right now – sometimes I get six hours a week, sometimes 40 – and just trying to stay in this house has been hard for us the last few months," she said.
While they were enjoying the farmer's market Sunday someone snipped the lock and stole her tricycle from her carport at Southeast 148th Avenue and Lincoln Street.
"For someone to be able to stand in my carport and break a lock with all these neighbors around, just shows this neighborhood (that) something needs to be done," Buchanan said.
Last year she said someone ripped out her car radio. And now the tricycle, with its pedals powering her to work and baskets used for groceries for her family, is gone.
Buchanan said even though this occurred in the middle of the day none of her neighbors saw it happen.
She did file a police report, but at this point she's not too concerned with catching the thief, she just wants the tricycle back.
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 @HarryJuku Even if it did cover the loss the deductible is likely higher than the cost of the trike.
"... it just shows something needs to be done" â yes, other people need to stop raising criminals and then turning them loose on society! You know this POS is just going to sell it for either scrap or as-is for his next fix.
When something like this happened to me I had to use my chevro-leggs to get around..
Also my Lambor-feeties...
Just sayin
You know, I hope there is a special karma for all the thieves who are ripping people off. Â Their drug and alcohol addictions are no excuse, and someday, maybe soon, people are going going to get really sick of all this stealing and people are going to become vigilantes. Â I wouldn't blame them. Â If thieves really think it is OK to steal, and there isn't sufficient motivation to make them stop, something has to be done or it's only going to get worse. Â THIEVES SUCK.
 @fxholeatheist If it were easy to kill someone for something as simple as a bike theft, the problem would be solved, and so would many other problems.I love the idea!
I just watched the video and I can see the swing set needs to be anchored or have some more legs installed, It could tip over the way it is!
The homeless "In Crowd" an Newport loves and covets this vehicle...it hauls them and their 'stuff' to the local intersections and stores, to beg for food, help, and bless you on their fold up cardboard signs.
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Mean while they smoke Taylor made cigarettes, and have working cell phones for their business...
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That is where I would look first.....
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Hopefully a few donations come her way very soon. The weather will turn and shorten the time the family can be outdoors together getting exercise and living life without all the crap many of us depend on.