A Toronto man is hoping that the person who took off with his wheelchair will return it.

Raymond Dell’Aera was born with muscular dystrophy, which makes some everyday tasks a challenge.

"I have low muscle tone, so I’m weaker and that affects not just my strength, but also my stamina, my balance," Dell’Aera told CBC News.

The 25-year-old uses a $15,000 custom wheelchair that gives him mobility and independence.

Last Saturday, he went to visit friends in the Keele Street and Finch Avenue area.

He left his wheelchair in an alleyway. A few hours later, he discovered it was gone.

Toronto police are now investigating the apparent theft, which Const. Tony Vella said could have been motivated by a number of factors.

"Who took his wheelchair and why?" Vella said when speaking with CBC News.

"Now is there any monetary gain behind this? Is it something else other than a theft?"

While members of the public have reached out to Dell’Aera after hearing his story, the Toronto man says he is touched by their concern, but simply hopes the person who took his wheelchair will return it in one piece.

Click on the video above to see a full report from the CBC’s Lucy Lopez.