01-08-2025
Children safe after being caught in the back seat during WA car theft
Two young children were left "upset" but unharmed after the car they were sitting in was stolen from a home in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The 21-month-old boy and 11-month-old girl were in the back seat of a Kia Picanto hatchback when it was stolen from a home on Richardson Street in Boulder, 600 kilometres east of Perth, about 10.15pm on Thursday.
Kalgoorlie police deployed multiple officers and vehicles to the scene, with the vehicle found an hour later at the intersection of Ivanhoe and Piesse streets.
"The children, while unharmed, were visibly shaken," Kalgoorlie police officer Inspector Mick Kelly said.
"The engine was running, the key was in the ignition and the children were in the back seat."
Inspector Kelly said the children were quickly reunited with their mother.
"The mother is distraught, and naturally so," he said.
Kalgoorlie detectives have been investigating the incident.
"We believe this is a crime of opportunity, not a targeted incident," Inspector Kelly said.
"At this point the person, or persons, responsible remain in the community."
The incident came months after a teenager stole two cars within 15 minutes, both with children inside, in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Inspector Kelly said the incidents should reinforce to parents that leaving children unaccompanied in a vehicle was dangerous and illegal.
"Here's an example where a person, or persons have seen an opportunity and taken that vehicle.
"Whether or not the mother is spoken to in relation to that is a matter for Kalgoorlie detectives."
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
