Thieves who took baby with stolen car could face kidnapping charge

The alleged car thieves who put a mum through “every parent’s worst nightmare” when her car was stolen with her baby in the back seat could now face kidnapping charges. WATCH THE VIDEO

Thieves who stole a car on the Gold Coast while a baby boy sat strapped to a back seat could face charges of kidnapping and deprivation of liberty as police continue to hunt for the offenders.

A Molendinar family watched on in horror on Thursday afternoon as a thief drove off in their white Mazda 3, while five-month-old Jordan sat in a baby seat in the back.

It sparked a frantic search which had a happy ending an hour later when the car was found abandoned about 20km away.

Talking on Friday, Detective Inspector Paul Dalton from the Gold Coast’s Child Protection Investigation Unit said the case could easily have had a tragic outcome and police would “go as far as we can” to hunt down those responsible.

It is believed there were at least three offenders, with a young girl stealing the Mazda while two other youths were in another vehicle, a white Toyota Corolla, which had also been reported stolen.

Forensic crews are now combing both vehicles for clues.

Detective Inspector Dalton said it was a miracle no one was injured.

“The fact there is a five-month-old baby boy bouncing around on Mum and Dad’s lap is a great outcome,” he said.

“We are lucky no one was hurt.”

Thieves take off in a stolen Mazda 3 with a five-month-old baby in the rear child seat.

CCTV footage shows the two vehicles roaring down the narrow suburban street leaving a trail of burnt rubber and skid marks, while the baby’s frantic father yells: “Call the police!”

Police will allege the dad was almost struck by the Mazda as it sped off.

Detective Inspector Dalton said potential charges for the offenders including break and enter, dangerous driving and potentially kidnapping and deprivation of liberty.

The baby’s mum said the horror situation was like living “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

Baby Jordan’s parents endured a traumatic hour before the car was found abandoned about 20km away with the infant miraculously unharmed by the terrifying ordeal.

Last night the young couple was reunited with their baby while police continued to search for the youth responsible.

Speaking after an emotional reunion, Jordan’s mother Katherine said she “was dying” as she watched her baby disappear down the street while her anguished partner screamed for someone to call the police.

“I’m very, very happy to have him back,” she said.

“It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.

“I was dying, it’s the first time I’ve lost a child.

“Emotions were everywhere.

“I literally saw my car driving away.”

The family had been getting ready to go out for dinner when the car was stolen.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Jordan’s mother said it was every parent's worst niughtmare but that she was "very, very happy" to have him back.