KUALA TERENGGANU: It was meant to be an emergency toilet stop for a husband and wife who left their three-year-old son in their car with the engine running at a petrol station.

When they returned, they were horrified to find the vehicle being driven off.

The couple had stopped at the kiosk in Bukit Kuang, Kemaman, at about 10.30am, while on their way to Chukai.

As their son was sleeping, they decided to leave the engine and air conditioner running.

But a car thief was waiting.

As soon as the couple were out of sight, he got into the vehicle and drove off in the direction of Dun­gun.

“The mother screamed when she saw the car speeding off.

“A team from the Kemaman district police set out immediately to trace the car,” Terengganu CID chief Asst Comm K. Manoharan said here yesterday.

“It took less than an hour before the car was spotted by officers near Kerteh.

“The suspect was nabbed after a short chase,” he said.

ACP Manoharan said the car was found about 70km away from the petrol station.

He added that the boy, who was unharmed, was returned to his parents.

The 26-year-old suspect, from Kampung Padang Luas, Besut, did not have his identity card on him when he was arrested.

“We are trying to find out if he has a criminal record or had committed similar crimes,” said ACP Mano­haran.

ACP Manoharan added that police were also looking for two others who were believed to be his accomplices.

ACP Manoharan advised parents not to leave their children unattended in the car even for very short periods.

“Even if you have to leave your car for a minute, bring your child with you and secure the car.

“Anything can happen within a minute,” he added.

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