Victorian toddler reunited with family after terrifying car theft

The frightening incident occurred yesterday evening in Mildura in the state’s northwest at around 6.30pm after a young family pulled into a local liquor store.

Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson told news.com.au the car — a black Holden Captiva — was stolen from the drive-through of a bottle shop, which is located on Deakin Avenue.

The vehicle was located around 20 minutes later on Cureton Avenue after it struck a tree.

A woman, aged in her mid-30s, was arrested shortly after as she attempted to break into a nearby house.

“The child was treated at the scene and was luckily unharmed before being reunited with family,” Leading Senior Constable Kendra Jackson said.

“The Mildura woman was taken to hospital where she remains under police guard.”

Bottle store employee Brodie Venables told the Herald Sunthe two-year-old girl’s parents had left her inside their vehicle for less than one minute to quickly pay for their goods when the car was swiped before their eyes.

He said they “went into a panic” after the Captiva was driven away by a woman who had walked in from the street.

The incident occurred in the Victorian town of Mildura.Source:Supplied

“They were horrified. They were absolutely beside themselves, they ran outside and were looking down the street to see where the car went,” he told the publication.

“She initially opened up the passenger door, had a bit of a geeze and realised the car was empty then walked around and got in the driver’s seat.”

Witnesses with any information regarding the incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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