24 Feb 2016

Car stolen with toddler inside

12:08 pm on 24 February 2016

A three-year-old Auckland girl was inside a car stolen from an Auckland supermarket carpark last night.

Auckland Police and the toddler's parents have thanked the public for their help in safely returning the child to her family last night, minutes after their car was stolen from outside a Mt Roskill supermarket while the child was still inside.

Police were called to the supermarket shortly after 7pm.

With the help of the public, police were able to track the movement of the stolen vehicle quickly and found the offenders.

They said the incident was resolved quickly and the child was reunited, unharmed, with her family.

"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 Jill Rogers.

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.