Three children — including two toddlers — were reunited with their parents Friday night after a man stole a car with them inside, the city police department said.

It happened shortly before 5 p.m. on Flatlands Avenue and East 81st Street in Canarsie.

Sources tell NY1 that the mother of the children — ages 8, 2, and 1 — went into a store and left the car running with the kids inside. Someone then got in and drove off, according to sources.

One of the children tried to call the father on his cell phone, which had been left behind, but the NYPD said the perpetrator snatched it away.

According to sources, the white Acura MDX was found about a half-mile away, at 78th Street and Farragut Road, less than three hours after the man took the car. The NYPD said Officers Matthew Woods and Zhana Krot found the car.

Police said shortly before 7:25 p.m. that the two girls and one boy were taken to a hospital as a precaution but had no apparent injuries.

Although the children have been found, the investigation continues to track down the perpetrator.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com