CASS COUNTY — Authorities are warning residents to take extra precautions this summer after an unusually high number of motor vehicle thefts this week in Cass County.

Over the last week, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office has taken nine reports of stolen vehicles. The incidents have spread all over the county including Silver Creek, Penn, Calvin, Mason, Volinia and Newberg townships. In each case, the vehicles were recovered a short distance from the point of theft, but items from inside the vehicles had been stolen, including, in one case, a handgun.

“We don’t know how or why we have had so many [reported stolen vehicles] in such a short period of time. It’s unusual,” said Cass County Sheriff Richard Benhke. “Usually we will have one or two, and they will be in a specified area of the county. But this was everyone from the Dowagiac area to the Union area stolen, but later recovered.”

Despite the distance between the thefts, Benhke said authorities have reason to believe the crimes are linked. At least two thefts have been confirmed to be related, with stolen items from one vehicle being found in another one of the stolen vehicles.

“With this being in so many different places, it’s not necessarily the case [that the thefts are related],” Behnke said. “But with so many happening at one time, you would think that it was the same group of individuals doing this.”

Now, authorities with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office are reminding Cass County residents to stay vigilant and take precautions to prevent vehicle theft. In the reported cases of motor vehicle theft, the cars were unlocked and keys were left inside the vehicles.

“These are not criminal masterminds who are hotwiring vehicles or anything like that. These are criminals looking to make an easy score,” Behnke said. “The main thing you can do is lock your doors and make sure you don’t have any valuables left in the vehicles when it is parked outside.”

Though no cars were stolen from garages in these cases, Behnke said that has been a problem in the past and that Cass County residents should not leave their keys in their cars, even if they are in the garage, as that can leave the vehicles vulnerable to theft.

“Protect your property,” Benhke said. “Make sure you lock your cars.”

If anyone has information regarding these thefts or any criminal activity, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office is asking that people call (269) 445-1560 or the Cass County TipLIne 1(800) 462-9328.