WEST LINN, Ore. -- Car prowlers in West Linn broke into 14 cars between Sunday night and Monday morning, police said.

Most of the cars were unlocked, according to West Linn police, but the thieves broke windows to gain entry in a few of the cases.

The thieves stole iPod mp3 players, GPS units, garage door openers, purses, sunglasses, credit cards and identification, said Sgt. Neil Hennelly in a West Linn police news release. Many of the crimes occurred along Pimlico Drive, Apollo Road, Summit Street and around the area of Cascade Terrace.

Don Clinton, who lives in West Linn, said the car prowlers stole his garage door opener and his 10-year-old son's iPod when they broke into two cars parked in his driveway.

"We're constantly in and out," Clinton said. "It's just one of those things that you know in this neighborhood it's just peaceful and quiet."

Clinton said the proximity to Halloween has him believing it's more than just a random theft.

"There was a particular group that I had noticed that had struck my attention," he said. "And then the following day this happens."

Police said the thieves may have targeted the affluent West Linn neighborhoods for a reason.

"These are all affluent neighborhoods and people who live there have nice things," Hennelly said. "Two thirds of the people we arrest do not live in our community. They commute here to do crime because they know it is a target-rich environment."

In order to avoid future thefts, officers said valuable items should not be left in cars overnight and doors should always be locked.

"These are crimes of opportunity," Hennelly said. "If you remove the valuables, you remove the risk."