Pinkerton Offers Reward in Theft of Girl’s Wheelchair

Pinkerton Security & Investigation Services of Van Nuys has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief who stole a customized wheelchair from a disabled Woodland Hills girl.

The family of Allison Smith, 11, also has set up a fund to buy her a new wheelchair after receiving numerous offers of help from strangers touched by news accounts of the theft.

The original wheelchair cost $5,000 and was partially covered by Allison’s mother’s health insurance. Carla Smith has since changed jobs and her current insurance policy does not cover a replacement chair.

Donations for a new wheelchair can be sent to Allison or Carla Smith at P.O. Box 260153, Encino, Calif. 91426-0153.

Allison, who has cerebral palsy and a birth defect called microencephaly, has an appointment on Monday to be fitted for a new wheelchair from the same company that made the original. It will take about a month to build the replacement.

Police so far have no leads or suspects in the theft, which occurred last Monday night when the wheelchair was taken from the family car while it was parked outside their home.

In announcing the reward, Pinkerton Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas W. Wathen said he was “outraged” when he heard about the theft.

“Whoever would do such an incredulous thing must be found quickly and should be severely punished so this crime won’t be repeated,” Wathen said.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call Los Angeles police at the West Valley Station, 818-989-9543.