Albury missing toddler: Boy found, reunited with parents

A family’s holiday took a shocking twist when the parents woke to find their toddler missing. But then an Albury community stepped in.

A toddler was found unaccompanied at a Waratah St address at 4.30am this morning.

A family visiting friend’s in West Albury have had a “nightmare” morning after waking to find their toddler missing from their home.

When a boy showed up at a Waratah St home by himself about 4.30am, police were called to the scene.

Detective chief inspector Mick Stoltenberg said the boy, believed to be about two years old, was taken back to the station while police canvased the neighbourhood.

Insp Stoltenberg said the parents were found about 8am and the family reunited.

“The little fella has let himself out,” Insp Stoltenberg said.

“He’s obviously woken up and decided to go for a walk. He hadn’t travelled very far which was a good thing.

“But the main thing is he’s safe.”

Insp Stoltenberg said it was the efforts of the community on social media that helped find the parents.

“Someone told me it takes a village to raise a child, and today was a perfect example,” he said.

“He turned up at a house where a local lady virtually adopted him as a grandson, so we’re very lucky.

“It would be terrible for any parent to go through it, I feel for the mother and the father.”

Insp Stoltenberg said it was the perfect reminder to parents to keep an eye on their kids.

“At two years of age kids love to climb, they love to wander, they love to look around,” he said.

“So if there’s anything to come out of this it’s just to reinforce to everyone to know where you kids are at all times, look after them, regardless of their age.”