Woman charged over theft of ute with child on board

Police have arrested a woman they believe stole a ute with a young child inside on Wednesday.

The ute was taken in the Waikato town of Putaruru about 4.15pm but was ditched a short distance away 20 minutes later, said Sergeant Jason Shailer.

The four-year-old child in the ute at the time was "very upset" about the unplanned journey, but was unharmed.

A 20-year-old woman now faces a number of charges including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving while suspended, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

She will appear in Tokoroa District Court next week.

Mr Shailer said police wanted to thank locals for their help in resolving the matter so quickly.

- NZPA