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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Our View: City, chamber should maintain some separation ... Medford mother of two faces deportation ... Guest Opinion: Trans-Pacific Partnership threatens national sovereignty ... Our View: City, chamber should maintain some separation ... Medford mother of two faces deportation ... Guest Opinion: Trans-Pacific Partnership threatens national sovereignty ... CRIME Car thieves have been active in Medford this month Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 10, 2015 at 11:28 AM Updated Jun 10, 2015 at 3:38 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 10, 2015 at 11:28 AM Updated Jun 10, 2015 at 3:38 PM » Social News Medford police reported Wednesday they had received 17 reports of pilfered vehicles so far this month, just three off the average of about 20 reported each month so far this year.  "We certainly think it's going to be the work of one individual or a small group of individuals who are stealing multiple cars," Medford police Lt. Mike Budreau said.  Agency data shows car thefts ramped up in March this year and has stayed consistently high. In January, 13 vehicle thefts were reported, followed by 15 in February. The number jumped up to 23 in March, followed by 22 in April and 24 in May.  Budreau said detectives have noted a spike in the theft of older model Jeeps. Since May 28, nine Jeep Wranglers or Cherokees built between 1991 and 1999 have been stolen. Police suspect that someone has a key copy. None of the recovered vehicles showed signs of hot-wiring or forced entry, none had push-button ignitions, and all keys were accounted for by the victims. Older model Hondas also continue to be popular with thieves, as keys are frequently interchangeable from car to car.  "It's not just Jeeps and Hondas being stolen," Budreau said. "This really is a crime of opportunity in many situations. Most of the time, the suspects need the keys to steal the car."  During the winter, a majority of vehicle thefts came when they were left idling to warm up.  Though police suspect the thefts are by one individual or a small group, there is no pattern to where they're being stolen. Officers have responded this month to thefts on Poplar Drive, South Peach Street, Garfield Street, South Oakdale Avenue and Winchester Avenue.  Police said vehicle owners should continue to be diligent about locking their cars and not keeping valuable property in vehicles. Drivers — especially those with 1990s model Hondas and Jeeps — should consider parking in a garage, if possible, or purchasing a steering-wheel lock.  Anyone with information about the thefts should contact Medford police at 541-770-4784.  Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected] . Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 10, 2015 at 11:28 AM Updated Jun 10, 2015 at 3:38 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501