Calgary police are reminding drivers not to leave vehicles unattended with keys in the ignition after arresting three people in relation to a string of car thefts.

Police said a 2006 Toyota Sienna minivan, left running outside the Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport hotel, was stolen around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

The thief who took the van was observed getting out of a nearby Honda Accord, which itself was believed to be stolen from Hawkwood Auto Service the day before, along with a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe from the same service shop.

Police believe the culprits stole those two vehicles after breaking into the service shop's after-hours drop box and retrieving the keys.

Two men and a woman were later observed by a police helicopter travelling in all three vehicles at various points.

The group eventually made their way to Tipperary's Pub in the stolen Santa Fe, where all three were met by officers, arrested and charged with numerous offences.

All three vehicles were recovered.

Police also offered the following tips to reduce the risk of vehicle theft: