NEW ZEALAND • Alyssa BARKER, 18 ~ Auckland

'Grave concern' after child taken from home

Last updated 16:46 28/07/2012

A family is rueing its good Samaritan act of taking pity on a woman sleeping rough as she has now abducted their toddler.

As the second night closes since 18 month old Alyssa Barker was snatched from her west Auckland home police say they have grave concerns.

Detective Inspector Stan Brown says it is vital Alyssa is returned as soon as possible

"The temperature last night was very cool and it's likely to be colder tonight with rain also forecast."

Police today issued a plea for anyone with information to come forward.

Alyssa was taken from her family home in the tiny settlement of Makaurau north of Auckland by 27 year old Skye Mason about 3pm on Friday.

Mason had been sleeping rough in the area and the Barker family took pity on her, allowing her into their home.

The last sighting of Alyssa, with Mason, was at a Glen Eden home of associates of Mason around 10pm on Friday.

"As far as we know, Skye left Alyssa's family home without any baby clothes, toys, food or blankets with her," said Brown.

"It's possible Skye is hiding out somewhere or has even left the Auckland region. If anyone has seen her or Alyssa or has heard of anyone who has, they need to contact police," Brown said.

The police Eagle helicopter and specialist search teams are scouring Auckland's Glen Eden suburb.

Brown said Alyssa's parents "are obviously very distressed their daughter has been taken from their home."

Police said Mason had been staying with the Barker family for two days after they took her in.

Alyssa's mother, who also has a three month old baby, was inside the house when Mason walked off with Alyssa.

Police said Mason has a history of mental illness and a small criminal history.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/7368356/Grave-concern-after-child-taken-from-home

Missing toddler found alive and well

Published: 12:01PM Saturday July 28, 2012
Source: ONE News

A 17-month-old toddler who was taken from a house in West Auckland has been found alive and well.

Toddler Alyssa Barker was taken from her home near Kaukapakapa, northwest of Auckland, yesterday at around 3pm by Skye Mason who had been living with the girl's family in the days leading up to the kidnapping.

The pair were found after a woman who watched the television news tonight recognised the woman and child who were staying with her as Skye Mason and missing toddler Alyssa Barker.

She then waited until they were asleep before calling police around 9:15pm and notifying them that the pair were at her Swanson address.

Police say Alyssa is well and doesn't seem to be suffering any ill-effects as a result of her 36-hour absence from her home.

She will be reunited with her family shortly. 27 year-old Mason is now in police custody.

Detective Inspector Stan Brown of Waitakere Police said he and his staff were delighted to be able to return Alyssa to her family and are very grateful to media for their support during what was a nervous search.

"This is one story that does not have a tragic end for a child and for that, we are very happy," he said.

Police began an extensive search for Mason in the suburb of Glen Eden after she was seen with Alyssa at a property there at about 10pm last night.

Detective Inspector Stan Brown said the passage of time, the overnight temperatures and the fact Mason was of no fixed abode was of great concern in regard to the welfare of Alyssa. Mason reportedly did not taken any warm clothes for the toddler.

Police have confirmed Mason had a history of mental health issues.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/woman-had-been-living-family-missing-toddler-4992297