Police in California are searching for a two-year-old boy who was inside a car when it was stolen.

       Authorities say that Jacob Jardine’s mother was unloading groceries in the early hours of Sunday morning when the 2008 Buick Enclave was taken.

       There is no indication that the thief knew there was a child inside when the vehicle was stolen from Sunnyvale, near San Francisco.

       Following the theft, the California Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert for Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Alameda counties.

       Authorities say Jacob is 3ft tall, weights 25lbs, has red hair and and was wearing a white hooded sweatshirt.

       The stolen vehicle has paper licence plates from Georgia with a spare tire on the right front wheel, a headlight and tail light out on the left side, and with a blue “Baby on Board” sticker on the back window.

       Police say they are trying to contact Luong “Tammy” Huynh, 29, who might have information to help in locating Jardine.

       “At this time we are attempting to contact 29 year old Luong ‘Tammy’ Huynh. We believe Tammy may have information that will help us locate Jacob Jardine. If you know Tammy or have recently seen or spoken with her, please contact us immediately,” tweeted Sunnyvale DPS.