No joy after ride

By Alison Noonan
A 10-YEAR-OLD Cranbourne boy who took his father’s car on a joyride across Casey got more than he bargained for when the car was hijacked.
Police said the brazen youngster stole the car keys and wallet from his unsuspecting father before taking off in his VY Commodore sedan about 2.30pm Saturday.
They believe the boy picked up an 11-year-old friend from his home in Cranbourne North and the pair continued on an afternoon drive along Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road to Narre Warren.
Three police cars and a helicopter began a search for the car after they were alerted by the 10-year-old’s father.
However, the boys’ jaunt was cut short when car was stolen at the Caltex service stationin Narre Warren, said Narre Warren Police Sergeant Darren Shaw.
“The boys were approached by a man at the service station who has observed that two young kids were behind the wheel,” he said.
“He has then kicked the pair out and taken off.”
Cranbourne Police Senior Constable Jeff Chamings said the boys then went to the nearby Casey Arc swimming pool and Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, where they attempted to draw money from the father’s bank account.
Sen Const Chamings said police intercepted the stolen car in Narre Warren about 4pm after a tip-off from a passing motorist.
“A member of the public called the police and we found the car,” he said.
“The man told police he took the car off the boys to take to police, but he ended up driving straight past the station.
“The boys turned up at 10pm that night.”
The 10-year-old was cautioned by police.
Sen Const Chamings said it was extremely lucky that no-one was hurt during the dangerous spree.
“I am teaching my 16-year-old to drive and that’s hard enough, let alone having a 10-year-old behind the wheel,” he said.
“Safety to other motorists was our greatest concern.”
Sgt Shaw called for parents to be more aware of their children’s actions and encouraged kids to wait until the legal age of 16 to take to the roads – under supervision.
“They are very lucky that there was not a serious accident when you consider their age and lack of driving experience,” he said.
“Parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing and keep car keys in a safe place away from untrustworthy kids.”
A 28-year-old Cranbourne man has been charged with theft of motor car.
He was bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.