CCTV released after on-duty nurse's car stolen from Melbourne hospital

Police have released CCTV of a man they believe was involved in the theft of a nurse's car while she was on duty in Melbourne.

Lucy Buzza was working at St Vincent's Hospital in Fitzroy on December 21 when the thief allegedly stole her bag with her keys inside.

The car was found in Ballarat, about 120km from Melbourne, on Christmas Day.

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The hospital's acting executive director Dean Jones told 9News his team was "all very upset" by the theft.

"Our nurses work so hard and so selflessly, and to have this happen on the edge of Christmas after such a busy year, it's terribly disappointing for Lucy, her colleagues, and everyone at St Vincent's," he said.

Police said the offender is perceived to be Caucasian, aged between 30 and 40 years old, wearing a face mask, grey and red Kansas City baseball cap, a black Nike hoodie with fluoro writing and a blue Adidas satchel bag.

They said he was also wearing a black backpack, black shorts, blue Adidas sneakers and carrying black sunglasses.

Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online