By Heather Hintze

EUGENE, Ore.--  Eugene Police are warning residents to look out for a man stealing people from residents in an unusual way.

Police say 28-year-old Jacob Steven Lucas knocks on doors, asking the residents for help, to use the phone or go to the bathroom, then steals valuables once he's inside. In one case, two college-age students let him use their washing machine, and even drove him around.  He stole their laptops and camera.

Police say he targets people who are more trusting, like college students, foreign students and the elderly.  He's hitting the entire Eugene area, not just one or two neighborhoods.

Officers say this serves as a reminder not to open the door to strangers. "If someone knocks on the door and it's someone you don't know, the first thing you should do is find out if they have a legitimate business reason for being there before you open your door. A good way to do that is ask them a question through the window or through the door without opening it," says Public Information Officer, Melinda Kletzok.

If you see Lucas, do not approach him.  Call Eugene Police.