MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tuesday became a parent's nightmare when someone stole a car with their baby in the backseat.
The incident happened in the morning on Getwell Road in Capleville. Memphis police were able to find the vehicle two miles down the road near Outland and Cromwell. Luckily the child was found safe inside the car, however police are still looking for the suspects involved.
Tuesday's incident was just the latest across the country. A spokesperson with the national non-profit Kids and Car Safety told ABC24 there have been 37 documented cases nationwide so far in 2024 where a child was left in a car that was ultimately stolen.
However according to the non-profit, there are small things you can incorporate into your daily schedules to keep you and your children safe.
- Lock your car doors and keep your keys on you while you get gas.
- If you need to leave your vehicle, do not leave a child or animal alone.
- If a store offers it, trying using curbside or drive-thru service.
If a business does not offer a curbside service, call the store to see if someone can bring your order to your car. The non-profit said most people are willing to help you out if you say you have a small child.
“We just urge parents to never leave their child in a car unattended for even seconds because anything could happen, whether it’s a theft, whether it’s a fatality from being overheated in a car, or whether it’s a child themselves getting to the wheel and starting that car,” said Elijah Mercer with Kids and Car Safety.