Trio of thieves allegedly attempt to steal car with two adults and child inside in Melbourne's south-east

Police are investigating after a trio of thieves were caught on CCTV trying to steal a car with a family inside, including a toddler, in Melbourne's south-east.

A man was parked in his driveway off Nicholas Street in Ashburton when a stolen Mercedes Benz parked behind him yesterday evening, police said.

Three hooded unknown men dressed in dark clothing then exited the car and unsuccessfully tried to open the 38-year-old father's car door.

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The man then reversed his car, hitting the Mercedes Benz, before the trio fled the scene.

Car owner Chris was inside at the time along with his 38-year-old wife and a two-year-old child.

"They were banging on my window, at my window, they could see my child in the back yet they were still trying to take the car," Chris told 9News.

"I reversed out and they blocked the road and I went straight at them."

He crashed his car into the Mercedes Benz to get away.

Nobody was physically injured in the incident, but the family was left terrified.

"It doesn't feel safe now," Chris added.

"I have literally just had the locksmith leave, checking all our locks."

Police are now investigating and anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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