The St. Joseph Police Department is investigating a string of car thefts Friday morning that were taken when the owners left them running.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said around 7:17 a.m. a silver 2001 Mitsubishi Galant was stolen from 2018 S. Belt Highway.  He said the vehicle was stolen when the owner went into the store and left it running.

The Galant was recovered about a minute later in the area of 402 Woodbine where a 2008 black Hyundai Tiburon was stolen.

“Witness stated the suspect got out of stolen Mitsubishi and took the Hyundai,” Wilson said. “Owner of this vehicle also left it running as they went in store.”

The suspect was described as a white man wearing a brown coat.

A third vehicle was stolen at 7:24 a.m. from 1100 block of Jackson Street.  Wilson said that owner started the vehicle and went back inside the residence.  That vehicle was described as a white 2017 Chevy Truck.

Anyone with information can call the Tips Hotline at (816) 238-TIPS.