Shepparton Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Andrew Costello says police are grateful the child was uninjured and safe.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
A Shepparton police officer has called the actions of a man who stole a car with a baby inside “incredibly reckless”.
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Police said an unknown man believed to be in his 20s to 30s placed a baby boy in a box in a car park after realising he was in the back seat, before driving away.
The red Volkswagen was parked in a supermarket car park on Maude St, Shepparton, just before 2pm on Friday, November 14.
Shepparton Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Andrew Costello said the victim was in the shops for “a matter of moments” when she came out to find her car gone.
The car was found with a broken windscreen in parkland near Larsen St, Mooroopna on Saturday, November 15.
Det Sen Constable Costello described the offending as “thoughtless and inhumane”, and said it could have ended “horrifically”.
“There was an opportunity for this male to just walk past the car,” he said.
“He's then identified a human being in the back seat of the car, and had so little regard for that human being.
“It was so important to steal the car that he put the human being in the box and left them unattended in the car park.
“It’s sad that he’s in a mind state that stealing a car was his priority.”
Det Sen Constable Costello was “horrified” by the man’s behaviour, and called on members of the public to help police identify the man.
He said he was initially “extremely anxious” about the safety and welfare of the mother and the family, but police were grateful the child was uninjured and safe.
“(The mother) wasn't so concerned about her car, just thankful that her child was safe and well,” Det Sen Constable Costello said.
“I can only imagine the grief that she was feeling at the time when she thought her child had been stolen.”
Det Sen Constable Costello said the baby was asleep in the car, and fortunately stayed asleep during the incident.
He urged people not to leave their children unattended in vehicles, but also said the incident was brief and he understood how it could happen.
“I've been to the mother's home, I've met the son ... it's a beautiful family,” he said.
“She's completely aware that she's made an error in judgment ... remorseful for having done it.
“She'll never do it again, and she'll probably never forgive herself either.
“Our sole focus is on finding out who this person is.
“It is incredibly reckless behaviour ... and it is so fortunate that it’s ended with everybody safe.”
Images of a man police wish to speak with in relation to the incident. He is described as being aged in his 20s to 30s, with a slim build and 165cm tall.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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