Happy end to theft tale

Baby Essentials owner Angela Eland and employee Marta with baby Blake.Baby Essentials owner Angela Eland and employee Marta with baby Blake.

By Callan Date
CASSANDRA Oldaker has experienced the best and worst aspects of human nature in the past fortnight.
The News first spoke to the Endeavour Hills mother last week after someone stole her son Blake’s car seat from her early model Holden Gemini while it was parked at Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre.
Ms Oldaker wanted no sympathy. She simply wanted to warn other mothers about the crime that had taken place.
But an employee at a Cranbourne baby goods store read the story in last week’s News and decided to do something about the situation.
Baby Essentials owner Angela Eland said she had no hesitation in donating the $230 seat after the incident was brought to her attention.
“As a mother of two children myself I know all the things that you have to worry about, and this is the last thing you want to happen,” Ms Eland said.
Ms Oldaker was thrilled with the offer and was quick to thank the store.
“There are not many people out there that would do anything like this,” she said.
“I was just very surprised and happy to know that there are people out there that do want help.
“That someone can be out of pocket themselves after offering the free seat and not expect anything else in return, it is really nice,” Ms Oldaker said.
Police at the Endeavour Hills Police Station also played a role in the feel-good story by bringing the two parties together.
Ms Oldaker was also offered a baby seat from The Andrews Centre in Endeavour Hills.
“I was never looking for anything in return – just wanting to warn others,” she said.