Violet Bowers, 73, had her uninsured Hyundai stolen from her Kaylock Road aged care unit this month and with it, her only means of transport and independence.

Thieves led police on a chase through the neighbourhood before they crashed through Doreen Drumgold’s front fence on Klose Street and ran off.

A Wodonga woman, who remains anonymous, read about Mrs Bowers’ plight in The Border Mail last week and donated the car.

The Toyota Camry arrived for Mrs Bowers on Friday and she drove it straight to her daughter’s to show her.

She said she was “over the moon”.

“It has restored my faith in people,” she said.

“It is such a wonderful gift from a wonderful, wonderful lady.”

Her 11-year-old chihuahua Roxy quickly settled into the back seat of the new car.

“She is a car dog,” Mrs Bowers said.

But Mrs Bowers had this message for young people in the community who were considering doing the wrong thing.

“Please stop and think before you take that next step over the line that could cause you or someone death or serious injury,” she said.

Police have not yet arrested anyone for the theft, police chase and subsequent damage.

Albury police Sgt Mark Watson said the car would be forensically examined. He urged anyone with information to phone Albury police on (02) 6023 9299.