Bike theft cuts off woman's lifeline

A Masterton woman is appealing to a burglar who stole her only form of transport in the lead up to the holiday season.

Jenni Fowler was at St Patrick's Church, near The Warehouse, on Wednesday when her grey and black women's rally bike and matching helmet were stolen.

Ms Fowler had gone to mass and decided to stay a bit longer to pray.

The bicycle, which was a gift from her sister, had become her lifeline and allowed her to do things such as grocery shopping.

"That was a bit gutting because it's my only transport," she said.

"I can't really afford a car. I'd rather feed my kids than have a car."

Ms Fowler, who is a beneficiary, thought the bicycle would be safe around the side of the building.

"I don't usually lock it when it's outside the church because I think it's going to be okay there.

"I came out and it was gone," she said.

"I was like, 'What am I going to do now?"'

She said she felt "helpless" and she could not rely on her elderly parents for transport.

Ms Fowler has a message for the burglars: "If you're worse off than I am, good - you can keep it. But if you can understand my situation ... I don't have my independence."

Ms Fowler has reported the incident to police.