Police are hunting for a man who stole a car with a sleeping baby in the back seat from a supermarket car park in northern Victoria.

Police said the 15-month-old boy was in the back seat when his mother parked her red Volkswagen on Maude Street, Shepparton, left it running and unlocked with the air conditioning on, and ducked into the shops just before 2pm last Friday. 

The thief reversed the car out of the car park before realising a baby was inside.

CCTV of a man walking in a car park

Images of the alleged car thief taken from CCTV.  (Supplied: Victoria Police)

Detective Acting Sergeant Andrew Costello said the man then put the baby in a cardboard box in the car park before driving away.

He said the boy’s mother was only in the shops “for a matter of moments” before she returned to find her car gone, and her baby in a box on the ground.

“Personally, I am very horrified by his behaviour,” he said.

“I am a father of three and a member of the Shepparton community, and when I first heard about this job, I was extremely anxious about the safety and welfare of the mother and family.

“I can only imagine the grief she was feeling at the time when she thought her child had been stolen.”

The stolen car was found the next day with a smashed windscreen, dumped in parkland near Larson Street in the neighbouring town of Mooroopna.

police officer wearing suit standing in front of media microphones

Detective Acting Sergeant Andrew Costello is urging the public to watch the CCTV to help identify the man. (ABC News:  Ethan Seiderman)

Sergeant Costello said the child slept through the encounter and that the mother was aware she had made a mistake.

“It could have ended horrifically,” he said.

“We’re fully supportive of the family. I’ve been to her home, she’s a beautiful mother, it’s a beautiful family.

“She’s completely remorseful, she’ll never do it again. And [she’s] so grateful he’s safe and well. 

“She’s completely aware she’s made an error in judgement. She’ll probably never forgive herself either,” he said. 

‘Put your hand up’ 

Police have released CCTV and images of the alleged offender.

“There is some CCTV that is particularly clear in nature, and we’re calling on the public to help,” Sergeant Costello said.

He urged the man to come forward.

“This male will know who he is, members of the public will know who he is.”

“Put your hand up, bring yourself into the police station and we’ll deal with it.”

The man is described as 165 centimetres tall, aged in his 20s to 30s, with a fit, slim build.

He was wearing a black cap backwards, navy headphones, a blue Golden State basketball singlet, black shorts, light blue runners and black sweatbands on both wrists.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.