Footage catches car thief's reaction on finding sleeping baby

An alleged car thief in regional Victoria swiftly hit the brakes after realising a baby was sleeping in the back seat.

Police have been told the car was parked with the child inside outside a supermarket on Maude Street, Shepparton, just before 2pm on November 14.

While the owner quickly ran into the store, it's believed an unknown male took the chance to steal the red Volkswagen and reversed out of the car park.

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The male then appears to have realised there was a baby in the back seat, and got out to remove the child and place them in a box in the car park, before driving away.

The victim returned and immediately found the toddler before raising the alarm, police say.

The stolen car was found the next day in the Mooroopna area.

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Police have released CCTV and images of the incident.

The alleged offender is described as being aged in his 20s to 30s, with a slim build, and about 165cm in height.

He was wearing a black cap backwards, navy headphones, a blue Golden State basketball singlet, black shorts, light blue runners and black sweatbands on both wrists.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.

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