Another rash of car thefts has struck Ames, and officials suspect a single suspect links each incident.

Police said three vehicles were stolen Monday night, making that 19 car thefts since Aug. 1. Sgt. Mike Johns, Ames Police Department, said the three thefts are believed to be connected to last week’s three stolen cars.

“We believe they are connected, because they all have occurred during the same time in the evening,” he said. “Also, the cars are all being stolen from cars with keys left in them and driven to another point, where the individual is stealing another car.”

Johns said the department has one unidentified suspect.

“At this point, it is my theory that there is just one individual stealing these cars,” he said.

The cars are not being used for much other than driving from one point to another, Johns said. As soon as the thief finds another car with keys in it, the individual ditches one car for another.

Johns said a 1986 gray Chevrolet Nova was stolen from 620 Lincoln Way, a 1990 maroon Plymouth van was stolen from 108 S.E. 2nd St. and a 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier was stolen from 539 Lincoln Way.

“We have recovered the Nova and the Plymouth van,” Johns said. “However, we are still searching for the Cavalier.”

Jerry Stewart, interim director for the Department of Public Safety, said the department was asked to assist in locating the vehicles Monday evening.

“All of the thefts did occur off campus,” he said. “We only assisted with locating them. Other than that, we are not involved much in the investigation.”

Stewart said the department constantly is exchanging information with the Ames Police Department in order to stay informed.

“We have not had any car thefts here on campus so far this school year,” he said. “We are hoping that it stays that way.”

Stewart said the department has been encouraging everyone to keep their keys out of vehicles.

“Even delivery drivers should remember to take the keys out of their trucks,” he said.

It is wise to have two copies of a registration, proof of insurance and the title to a vehicle, Stewart said.

“These items should be kept in another location as well, besides just in the car,” he said. “That way, if a car is stolen, the information and proof of ownership is readily available.”

Stewart said the department has had several reports of thefts from cars this year. Specifically, he said, the lots that have had a rash of thefts are Lot 60, Lot 61 and Lot 63.

Lt. Rick Rewerts of Story County Sheriff’s Department said the sudden increase of stolen vehicles has been isolated to the Ames community.

“We have not had any thefts in the county outside of Ames. It must just be a rash of thefts in Ames. Let’s hope it stays there,” he said.