One year ago on Thanksgiving night, a South Philadelphia couple faced a distressing situation when their car was stolen. However, the most painful loss for them was their walker and cane, which were in the back seat. Lynn and John Petroski's Hyundai Sonata was taken right outside their rowhome, parked in the designated disabled parking spot.

Thanksgiving Night's Unfortunate Loss and Community Help

Initial Distress and Loss

Lynn Petroski expressed her concern, stating, "I was more worried about the cane and the walker than the car. Honestly, worse comes to worst, we could manage with buses and such. But he can't go anywhere without the cane and the walker." John Petroski, 77 years old, lives with multiple health issues that require him to use a cane or walker whenever he leaves the house.This incident not only affected their mobility but also their daily lives. The loss of these essential aids was a significant blow to their well-being.

Community's Response and Donations

CBS News Philadelphia covered their story, and the next day, strangers came forward to offer help. They donated walkers and canes, and the Petroskis ended up with more than they needed. In fact, they eventually donated most of the walkers and canes they received. "Neighbors were incredible," John Petroski said, highlighting the kindness and support of their community.This act of generosity showed that even in difficult times, there is always hope and kindness in the world.

Police Investigation and Car Recovery

Police located the Petroskis' car within days and had it repaired by Christmas. According to police records, in 2022, 13,803 cars were stolen, and last year, 23,629 cars were stolen. As of Nov. 17 this year, 14,088 cars have been stolen so far. The Petroskis' case is just one example of the rising car theft problem in the city.A CBS News Philadelphia investigation found that Hyundais and Kias made up over 60% of the stolen vehicles, possibly due to a popular how-to video on social media. Lt. Brian Geer from the Philadelphia Police Major Crimes Auto Squad said, "I think bad guys know we're coming to get them, and we're doing real good investigations."

Thankfulness and Hope for the Future

The Petroskis are thankful for their car and each other. They hope for a much calmer Thanksgiving night this year, free from such distressing events. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and the efforts of the police in combating crime.As the city continues to face the challenge of car theft, stories like that of the Petroskis give hope that through collective efforts, things can get better.