Updated June 16, 2026 — 12:18pm,first published June 16, 2026 — 8:32amEight teenagers and two adults have been charged after a number of stolen vehicles were recovered, including a ute allegedly driven off from a Townsville street with a baby inside on Monday afternoon.The ute – an Isuzu MU-X – was parked in a driveway on Sunderland Street in Garbutt near Townsville Airport when a group of teenagers got into the vehicle and drove away just before 2pm.A woman was standing near the vehicle, and a baby was secured in a car seat in the back.Police said the group, realising a baby was in the car, stopped a short distance along the road and placed the baby in the car seat on the footpath before driving away.The baby was assessed by paramedics as a precaution.The vehicle was located in a car park on Charters Towers Road about 9.45pm on Monday, along with a Ford Ranger reported stolen from an address on Sunday.The incident sparked a widespread operation, with police alleging a number of stolen vehicles were seen being driven around Townsville overnight.With assistance from a police helicopter and tyre-deflation strategies, five stolen vehicles were recovered.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.From our partners