Where to lay fault?

Yesterday, in a city near me, a woman's car was stolen at a gas station.
Along with her 3 year old child who was inside.

The mother went inside to pay for gas. Apparently she left the car unlocked,
the child inside, and the keys in the ignition. She abandoned her child for a few moments to fend for itself- and was quite horrified when she discovered both the car and her baby were missing when she came back to where her car had been.

Now, all the TV coverage of this story has been focused on recovering the child- who was found safe inside the same car, abandonded yet again, about 90 minutes later. The thief got away, but police are still looking for the man and will press charges for grand theft auto, and kidnapping.

But- guess who I am angry with?

The mother.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Who leaves their keys in the ignition of their car, unlocked, in busy public place?

And then who leaves their 3 year old alone in the car?

Look- I understand it's frigid outside in these parts. The baby was strapped in, snuggled down, and comfortable. It's a hassle to take the baby inside the store, even though that's what she should have done.

The next best solution would have been, obviously, to lock up the car and take your damned keys inside with you...and be quick, quick, quick!

I think the mom should be charged with neglect. She endangered the life of her child- with absolutely no regard for it's safety.

People leave their kids in the car for quick stops at the gas station, food mart, and the liquor store. It happens everyday- all over the country- at all times of the year.

People are stupid. I wish it was against the law.

Don't leave your toddlers in the car, unlocked, and with the keys in the ignition.
You might as well hand your kid off to a stranger and hope for the best.

That at least wouldn't be abandonment..