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Ashland police are baffled by odd thefts ASHLAND -- Strange thefts have been afoot at Ashland stores in the past month. Ashland police say that pain relievers were the main items stolen in three thefts in November, two at the Safeway store on Siskiyou Boulevard and one at Albertson's on Ashland Street. The losses have totaled more than $3,400. In the two most recent thefts, both reported Friday, Albertson's lost $1,455 and Safeway $944 in small items taken from variety departments. A $1,001 theft from Safeway was reported Nov. 5. Advil and Aleve appeared to have been targeted in the thefts, along with Zantac, Pepcid AC and EPT home pregnancy tests, according to Sgt. Lisa Brooks. Razors and film have also been taken. Police have no suspects in the thefts and aren't sure what the thieves intend to do with the pain relievers. "As far I know, they can't be made into any kind of (illegal) drug," Brooks says. Police are considering the possibility that the thieves will try to sell the pain relievers at small discount warehouses, but Brooks says that's only speculation. Another possibility is that the items could be used as filler in illegal drug manufacturing, Brooks said. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them. They're also checking with other agencies to see if they've experienced similar thefts. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA