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Baby Returned Safely After Townsville Driveway Theft as Police Make Multiple Arrests

Following a helicopter-led operation that recovered the SUV, ten people have been charged; forensic tests are under way with further charges expected.

A Townsville mother has spoken of the terrifying moment alleged thieves drove away in her car with her sleeping two-month-old baby still inside.
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The alleged offenders stop the stolen Isuzu and leave the baby, still strapped into her car seat, on a Townsville footpath.
Police are hunting thieves who stole a ute with a baby inside in north Queensland.

Overview

  • A black Isuzu SUV was taken from a Garbutt driveway with a two-month-old baby inside, and the offenders stopped shortly after to place the child on the kerb before fleeing.
  • The baby was returned unharmed and assessed by paramedics, while the mother, identified as Sarah, described the ordeal as terrifying.
  • Police located the Isuzu about nine hours later using PolAir and launched a coordinated overnight operation that recovered seven allegedly stolen vehicles.
  • Ten people — eight juveniles aged 14–17 plus an 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman — were arrested and charged on 19 counts so far, with most remaining in custody.
  • Detectives are conducting forensic examinations, expect further charges, and have asked the public for CCTV or dashcam footage as they probe links to a small cohort of repeat offenders driving local vehicle crime.