Police are calling on the public to help identify a man who stole a powered wheelchair from another man, leaving him stranded on a public toilet in Federation Square.
The unknown man struck up a conversation with a 54-year-old St Albans man, who uses a wheelchair, at Flinders Street Railway Station at about 11:00am.
The pair then headed to a toilet in Birrarung Marr park, where the unidentified man helped him into the restroom.
He then took off in the wheelchair.
The man was unable to move without the chair and was stuck in the toilet for an hour before a passer-by stopped to help.
Police say the offender was last seen travelling east in the wheelchair, heading towards Batman Avenue.
The wheelchair was found later at the corner of Wellington Parade and Jolimont Road in East Melbourne.
Police are yet to arrest the thief, who was wearing a Santa hat, camouflage pants, a black jumper and white sneakers.
Police described him as Caucasian in appearance and aged between 20 and 24-years-old.
The wheelchair is maroon with a dark canopy and several shopping bags tied to it.
Police have released images captured by CCTV cameras in the square in the hope that someone will recognise the suspect and help locate the chair.
Those with information that might assist police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
