Brilliant way Brisbane mum chased driver after her car was allegedly stolen with her toddler in the backseat in Spring Hill
A quick-thinking mum has saved her child who was strapped in the back of her car when it was allegedly stolen – by using her phone’s tracking system.
The 33-year-old mother was standing just outside her car in a compound on Saint Paul’s Terrace in Spring Hill, Brisbane, on Sunday afternoon.
A 32-year-old woman reportedly jumped into the car and took off with her 18-month-old child in the backseat.
With her child and phone in the suspected stolen car, the mother quickly jumped into another car and gave chase using her phone’s GPS tracking system.
After catching up with the alleged perpetrator, the mother interrupted her and brought her to a stop at the corner of Leichhardt and Wharf streets.
A quick-thinking mother has managed to retrieve her child, who was trapped in the back of her suspected stolen car, by using her phone’s tracking system
The 33-year-old mother was standing just outside her car in a compound on Saint Paul’s Terrace in Spring Hill, Brisbane, on Sunday afternoon.
Following an altercation, the alleged perpetrator is believed to have handed over the car and child before being arrested by police.
The mother injured her leg while pulling the woman from her car, while her toddler was found unharmed during the incident.
Neither needed to be taken to hospital.
Queensland Police confirmed a group of strangers banded together and ‘assisted in restraining the female perpetrator until police arrived a short time later’.
The alleged perpetrator was arrested at the scene and charged with child theft, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and driving without a license.
She is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland reported a 10 per cent increase in car thefts in Queensland during the 2022-2023 financial year, a total of 1,760 claims.
A group of strangers have reportedly banded together to help stop a woman who allegedly stole a car with a toddler in the backseat (stock photo)
“The inner city of Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane experience the highest frequency of stolen vehicles,” Trent Sayers, the club’s Chief Executive of Insurance, said in July.
“Queenslanders should keep safety in mind when parking their cars.
‘If possible, park your car in a closed garage or driveway and lock your car, even if it is in a secure location.
‘If you are in the unfortunate situation of having a car stolen, contact your local police immediately to report the theft and then contact your insurer to check your cover and make the claim. ‘