Thieves targeted seven vehicles across Drouin and Warragul on Friday night, resulting in a police plea for residents to lock cars and secure valuables.
A vehicle was stolen from Zelman Drv in Warragul, whilst wallets, tools and a bag also were taken.
Police said a Toyota Hilux was stolen after the keys were left in a glovebox. The vehicle was recovered in Lae Crt, Morwell on Sunday morning.
They have linked the car theft to a break-in at Sure Constructions in Burke St, Warragul on the same night.
Entry to a back yard was forced, activating an alarm. It appears an office was searched through, with items strewn but nothing stolen.
Also in Warragul, items were reported stolen from two vehicles parked in Montrose St. A back window was smashed to steal a green waist bag from the backseat of one vehicle. A wallet, containing cash and credit cards, was stolen from a second unlocked vehicle.
A wallet also was stolen from a vehicle in Hooleys Rd, Warragul.
In Drouin, a power saw and a large quantity of power tools were reported stolen from a vehicle parked in King Parrot Blvd.
Tools also were stolen from the tray of a ute in nearby Cyathea St and a vehicle rummaged through in Illawarra Blvd.
The thefts led police to issue a plea for locals to lock their cars and secure valuables to deter opportunistic crime.