A Dublin father is making a desperate plea for the return of his family’s car, a black Skoda Octavia, stolen from outside his home in Whitehall last week. The vehicle is the sole means of transport for his 23-year-old son, David, who has moderate to severe autism, ADHD, an intellectual disability and anxiety, and requires frequent clinical appointments.
Gary Nolan, who gave up his job with Dublin Bus to grow a full-time carer for David, described the moment he and his wife discovered the theft on March 14th. “My wife thought I’d moved her handbag when she couldn’t discover it on the Saturday morning and then she noticed the car was gone. That’s when the bottom of our world fell out,” he said.
The theft occurred when thieves broke into the family home and stole his wife’s handbag along with the car keys. The Skoda Octavia, registration 171 D 16702, is essential for David’s care, enabling access to vital appointments and opportunities for outdoor activities. Public transport is not a viable option due to David’s complex needs.
Although community members have offered assistance with transportation, including providing rides to David’s daycare in Edenmore, a 40-minute drive away, Nolan is hesitant to accept. He explained he suffers from anxiety and fears damaging someone else’s vehicle. “I’d be too nervous to drive anyone else’s car,” he said.
The disruption to David’s routine is already having a detrimental effect on his well-being. Nolan reports that his son has begun exhibiting self-injurious behaviors, such as biting his arm or hitting his head. “He had a routine and even just getting out for a drive was an escape for us,” Nolan explained. “We used to drive him to a social club in Balbriggan or to visit his uncle in Co. Meath. We used the car to bring him to clinical appointments. There was always something to get him to.”
Nolan emphasized the profound impact the theft has had on the entire family. “It really takes two people to take care of David so my wife only works part-time. David wouldn’t be able to use public transport, especially as we’d need to catch two buses to get him to some places. He doesn’t understand theft. He keeps looking out the window and saying that the man will bring the car back soon.”
“It’s been a difficult road over the years and I’m on the verge of my mental health unravelling with everything now,” Nolan added. “The thieves didn’t just take a car. They took our life and our freedom and I would inquire them to please leave the car somewhere we can find it.”
Gardai confirmed they are investigating a burglary at a house in Whitehall, Dublin 9, which occurred at around 3.30am on March 14th, 2026, and a car was taken from outside the property. Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone who sees a black Skoda Octavia, registration 171 D 16702, is asked to report it to any garda station.
