By Paris Jackson

EUGENE, Ore--Thursday morning, we continued our coverage on the high rate of property crimes in Eugene. We've looked at residential burglaries and car break-ins. The third area of property crime that we'll look at is auto theft.

Eugene Police data found in 2007, there were more than 1,000 auto thefts. In 2008, that number jumped to more than 1,300. So far, this year the number of cars stolen in Eugene sits at 835.

"Car theft is one of those crimes where we have a pretty good recovery of vehicles and getting them back because people have license plates numbers, " Eugene Police Crime Prevention Specialist Tod Schneider said.

Authorities said when they do recover vehicles the condition varies -- some are fine, while others are destroyed. Police also suggest one way for car owners to protect themselves against theft is by purchasing a Club.

EPD is selling Clubs for $11 at the West University Neighborhood Police Station and The Monroe Street Station.