Auckland Police and the parents of a West Auckland toddler have praised the public for their help in safely returning a 3-year-old child to her family last night, minutes after their car was stolen from outside a Mt Roskill supermarket while the child was still inside.
Two youths aged 13 and 15 will appear in court today on charges of kidnapping, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, wilful damage and assault with intent to rob.
Auckland City Acting District Commander Jill Rogers said incredible team work between members of the public and Police staff had ensured a potentially devastating incident was resolved quickly and that the child, who was unharmed, was safely reunited with her family.
Police were called to the supermarket shortly after 7pm last night.
"This was a terrifying ordeal for the family and they too have expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the public in helping reunite their daughter with them so quickly," said Inspector Rogers.
She said that immediate assistance from the public had ensured that Police staff could track the movement of the stolen vehicle quickly and locate the offenders.
With Police staff and the Eagle helicopter moving in, the stolen car crashed within blocks of the supermarket and officers were quickly able to track the offenders across nearby properties where they were arrested.
The parents of the young girl say that people within the supermarket car park and other passersby offered incredible support as the incident unfolded.
"We are just so grateful to the Police and to the public who helped us, there were car drivers who got out and followed these men and we are just so relieved to have our daughter back," they said.
The family is now being assisted by Victim Support.
"This incident could have had a much more disastrous outcome if it hadn't been for the quick thinking actions of the members of the public who assisted in directing Police and we are very grateful for everyone's efforts," Inspector Rogers added.
ENDS
Issued by Tracie Simpson/Auckland City District 021 949 731