Man allegedly steals vehicle with baby inside it, leaves baby on grass verge in Waitara, Taranaki

A police officer.
A police officer. Photo credit: Getty

A baby was left on a grass verge after the theft of a vehicle it was inside of.

Police said the "concerning theft" took place in Waitara on Friday, and they were seeking more information.

In a statement, police said a man allegedly stole the vehicle from outside Waitara store shortly after midday.

"Allegedly the man stole the vehicle with a baby in the backseat, just after the victim exited the vehicle," police said.

"The baby was left on a grass verge near the corner of Queen and Cameron Street, luckily uninjured."

About 6am on Monday, police found the vehicle abandoned on the corner of Henui and Mclean streets, "after the vehicle was driven all over Taranaki in the weekend".

Police said an associate of the alleged thief had been taken into custody and inquiries were ongoing to locate him.

The public was asked to contact police if they saw the silver 2014 Peugeot 508 station wagon, or have any information that could help, referencing file number 240510/8076.

RNZ