Child car thieves wreak havoc in Townsville, leaving family devastated after fourth car stolen

A heartbroken Townsville mum says the kids who stole her family’s brand new car were so small they had to use her son’s car seat to see over the dash. This is the fourth car they’ve had stolen in a matter of years.

Annandale family Zach Smith, Gabbie Gamauf and their youngest son Quin. Picture: Natasha Emeck

A heartbroken Townsville mum says the kids who stole her family’s brand new car were so tiny they had to use her son’s car seat to see over the dash.

Mum of six Gabbie Gamauf said her family was left totally devastated when they woke up to find their home on Kearney Crt, Annandale, had been broken into on Sunday.

She said youths managed to break one of their locks and steal the keys to their black Subaru Outback and brand new blue Nissan Xtrail.

It wasn’t long until the two stolen vehicles were spotted causing havoc around Townsville as youths hung out of windows and hooned around.

The black Subaru Outback was found badly damaged. Picture: Supplied

“We have now lost four cars in six years from this cr*p, and it has totally devastated us,” Ms Gamauf said.

“I’ve got a big family, six children and a husband, and it’s taken such a toll on us.

“The Xtrail was only two weeks old; we went through so much to get the loan for that car.

“We’re going further into debt.

“I feel defeated because it just seems to be never-ending.

“We work multiple jobs. We were barely managing to keep our heads above water, and this has just sunk us.”

The black Subaru Outback was found badly damaged. Picture: Supplied

She said members of the public reported seeing children who appeared as young as seven getting around town in one of her stolen cars.

“Some witnessed kids hanging out of the windows, seven-year-olds sitting on the laps of other kids on the passenger side,” Ms Gamauf said.

“They were using my son’s car seat to see over the dash.

“That’s what the devastating part is. They’re not even adults; it’s little kids.”

Two days later, the black Subaru Outback was dumped on North Vickers Rd, Condon, with significant damage and the blue Nissan Xtrail was left at the South Townsville boat ramp.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Originally published as Child car thieves wreak havoc in Townsville, leaving family devastated after fourth car stolen