A child has been safely recovered after a car was stolen with the child inside on a busy shopping street in Larkhall. The alarming incident occurred around 4.15pm on Tuesday, December 31, when a silver BMW 218D parked on Union Street was taken while the driver and mother of the child briefly left the vehicle. Upon the driver’s return, the car had vanished. However, the car was later spotted being driven back to its original location, where a male youth exited the vehicle and fled the scene. Fortunately, the child was unharmed, but the police are now seeking the suspect involved in what they described as an “extremely upsetting experience” for the mother.
The youth, described as white, slim build, around 5ft 9ins, and aged between 17 to 20 years old, was seen wearing a dark top with the hood up and dark bottoms. Inspector Jim Mutter stated, “Fortunately, the child was not harmed, but this was an extremely upsetting experience for the mother, and our enquiries are ongoing to trace the youth who was seen driving and exiting the car.” Police are urging anyone in the area at the time to review their private CCTV and dash-cam footage for any information that could aid the investigation. Additionally, they are particularly interested in speaking to two older women who were seated nearby on a bench, as they may possess crucial information to assist in the enquiries.
Those with relevant information are encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2136 of Tuesday, 31 December 2024. The authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of the community and to bring the suspect to justice for this distressing crime.