A Narre Warren man and Clarinda man have been charged with a string of offences after they were arrested for the alleged theft of a car with a toddler inside in Chelsea over the weekend.
It is alleged a grey Volkswagen SUV was parked outside a grocery store on Nepean Highway just before 4pm on Sunday, 8 January, when an unknown male got into the car and drove off with a two-year-old boy inside. It is understood the owner of the vehicle left it running while he ducked into the shops.
Investigators were told the offender left the child on Bath Street and fled the scene.
Police arrested an 18-year-old Narre Warren man and a 20-year-old Clarinda man at a Frankston shopping centre on Tuesday, 10 January.
The Narre Warren man was charged with over 25 charges including theft of motor vehicle, obtain property by deception, possess a drug of dependence, bail and driving offences.
The Clarinda man was charged with theft of motor vehicle, aggravated burglary, resist police, bail and driving offences, in relation to another matter.
Police located the outstanding grey Volkswagen SUV, in Craigieburn on Wednesday morning.
It was found dumped and abandoned in Hyde Park Avenue about 5am after the driver sped off from police .
The investigation is ongoing.
Both men have been remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 11 January.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
