MHCC PARKING LOT THEFT ON THE RISE

Graphic by Nicole Meade // the Advocate

Subaru vehicles are being targeted in car thefts, and the trend is not isolated to MHCC’s campus but is peaking around Gresham and Portland.

In late January, three Subarus were stolen within four days from Mt. Hood parking lots, and a week later, the engine ignition parts were stolen from an additional vehicle.

All of the vehicles were recovered, but no confirmed suspects have been identified, according to a Gresham Police Department spokesman.

Because the vehicle thefts fall under Multnomah County’s jurisdiction, MHCC Public Safety officials are waiting to receive the final police reports.

Although older Honda models are still the most commonly stolen cars in the region, the number of stolen Subarus is on the rise, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

So far this year at MHCC, three cars have been filed as stolen vehicles, and five more vehicles have been broken into, Public Safety records show. Other than routine campus patrols, there are no additional security measures being taken by Public Safety at this time.

Cherilyn Nederhiser, lead Public Safety officer, urged people to report any suspicious behavior by calling 503-491-7310 for non-emergencies, and 503-491-7911 in case of an emergency.

Witnesses should not approach a suspicious person. Once contact is made with public safety, they will stay on the phone while they send an officer to investigate – so they can describe a suspect’s behavior, physical appearance, clothing, and the vehicle involved.

Locks recommended

Because the cars are often recovered just miles from the original crime scene, Nederhiser said she believes they are likely crimes of opportunity, so that adding security like a steering wheel or brake lock could deter a thief. The MHCC Bookstore sells Dr. Hook steering wheel locks for $9.99, and similar products are available at local stores like Fred Meyer.

There is no sure reason why Subarus are being targeted, but Wayne Feagle, Mt. Hood’s Public Safety manager said their rise in popularity  may contribute to the heightened interest of thieves.

According to Portland Police Bureau stolen vehicle statistics, Subarus are the second-most often stolen makes, trailing only Hondas. Mid-1990s models are the most commonly stolen.

In the annual Clery Report filed by Public Safety, 13 vehicles were reported stolen from the Mt. Hood campus in 2016, 10 more than in 2015.

Data for the updated Clery Report for 2017 is still being processed, but Feagle said he expects total vehicle crimes to equal or exceed those in 2016.

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