"I'm so grateful she wasn't injured physically, but she is shaken emotionally," said granddaughter Paula James.

About 3.15 on Thursday afternoon, police were called to the marketplace after the woman had her car stolen.

"She was offered some assistance [when moving the car] by a juvenile male," said Acting Inspector Maggie Deall.

"That juvenile male did give her assistance, and subsequently [allegedly] took the car and attempted to drive from Wagga."

Police located the juvenile about 20 minutes later, allegedly driving the stolen vehicle on the Sturt Highway.

Two women who had witnessed the ordeal came to her assistance, calling the police and even driving her home with her groceries.

"She didn't know the women who helped her, but we're all so grateful to them that they were there," said Ms James.

Police also praised the efforts of the two women who came to her assistance.

"Two women who came along and saw what had happened assisted her with contacting police.

"My understanding is they also drove her home, so we would like to say a big 'thank you' to those good Samaritans.

"This lady should have been absolutely safe going about her shopping at that time of the afternoon. It's disgraceful, and we will be following it up."

Now living in Brisbane, her granddaughter expressed complete heartbreak that she was not in the vicinity to help her grandmother in her time of need.

"I spoke to her this morning, she is still very shaken. She told me she will have a few cups of tea and try to process it," Ms James said.

"She is an amazing woman, she'd drive better than most of us and I just hope this doesn't take away her independence."

Police confirmed that the car has been returned to her without damage, but Ms James said it will sadly be sometime before her grandmother is back on the road.

"I don't think she'll be driving for a little while yet, and that is incredibly sad," she said.

"She never had to think about her personal safety before now, this has been quite disturbing and eye-opening for her.

"She always believes the absolute best about people."

Following the ordeal, Ms James has shared a message of encouragement for others to raise the alarm if they believe themselves to be in danger.

"It needs to be put out there, so that others are aware. Always be alert, especially being Christmas, be aware of who's around you," Ms James said.

"If you don't feel comfortable, get someone's attention, get a security guard.

"I haven't been in Wagga for something like 25 or 27 years, but it's not a surprise that something like this could happen. It's not the place it used to be, you need to be more cautious now.

"Times have changed, people have changed and not everyone has the same heart as you do."