Three car thefts in less than six hours are believed to be connected to a rash of recent thefts in the city, Ames Police Department officials said.

Sgt. Mike Johns, public information officer for the Ames Police Department, said three cars were stolen between 10:30 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday.

“We believe there is a connection between all of the cars, because one of them was recovered at a location that another was stolen from,” Johns said.

One car was stolen from 20th Century Bowling, 505 S. Duff Ave. The others were stolen from Fifth Street and 4112 Lincoln Swing.

The stolen cars were a white 1990 Geo Prizm, a blue Honda and a red 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra, according to police reports.

Johns said the Ames Police Department has all three of the cars in its possession and is obtaining fingerprints and evidence that may have been left behind.

He said the department does not have any suspects at this time.

“We have had a rash of stolen vehicles and of valuables being stolen from vehicles,” he said.

“We advise people not to leave valuables in cars. This includes things such as book bags and compact discs,” Johns said.

Judy Parks, assistant city attorney, said the charge for motor vehicle theft ranges from second degree to first-degree theft.

For a vehicle valued at more than $10,000 the charge is first degree theft, which is a class C felony, she said.

If convicted, punishment would be up to 10 years in prison and a fine of at least $1,000, but not exceeding $10,000, Parks said.

A stolen vehicle valued at less than $10,000 is considered second-degree theft, she said. The punishment is up to five years in prison and a fine of at least $750, but not exceeding $7,500, she said.

“Statistically, most of the cars out there are not brand new,” Parks said.

“Therefore, in my experience, most of the cars stolen are not brand new and valued at less than $10,000.”