SHAWNEE COUNTY-Law enforcement authorities in Shawnee County are investigating three suspects in connection with auto thefts.

The city of Topeka has seen a dramatic increase in auto thefts this year with over 200 reported through April, according to a media release.

Topeka Police in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue, Kansas Highway Patrol, National Insurance Crime Bureau, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Police, Topeka Fire, and the Kansas Department of Health conducted a search at Focus Recycling, 131 Southeast Golden Avenue in Topeka involving stolen vehicles.

As a result, authorities arrested Maurice Lamont Stewart, 33; John Earl January III, 38; and David Ray Long, 40; all of Topeka.