LITTLE Yahya has become a familiar sight around St Kilda over the past 10 months as he undergoes groundbreaking facial surgery.

But in a blow to his rehabilitation, the Moroccan boy’s carers believe thieves stole his custom-made walker from a church storeroom.

Born with no eyes, nose, or properly shaped mouth, the four-year-old has undergone a series of complex surgeries at the Royal Children’s Hospital to build him a face.

Activity is an essential part of his recovery, which is why this walker was so valuable to Yahya El Jabaly and his family.

It went missing from the storeroom off the front room at Christ Church Community Centre in St Kilda sometime in late April.

“We were quite shocked that someone would take what’s obviously a child’s mobility walker,” St Kilda’s Fatima Baraka, who is housing Yahya and his mother, said.

“It’s a really senseless act and to take place in a church is quite disturbing.”

“It’s like taking an old person’s wheelchair.”

Christ Church Community Centre’s Michelle Scholl said she was shocked to find the walker missing, and insisted theft wasn’t a common occurrence at the church centre.

“As soon as we realised, we put notices around the building asking for information, but haven’t heard anything yet,” she said.

“We’re all pretty horrified as so much of what happens around here is based on goodwill and trust.”

Ms Baraka is now appealing for whoever took the walker to return it.

“We can’t afford to go out and replace it,” Ms Baraka said.

“We got a quote for a replacement which was in the vicinity of $1100.”

If you know anything about its disappearance, you can contact Ms Baraka on 0414 242 625 or fatimabaraka@gmail.com.