A stolen vehicle operation involving multiple agencies resulted in the recovery of stolen vehicles and guns.
On Monday, February 26, 2024, officers assigned to Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct ran a multi-agency stolen vehicle operation with the Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force, and PPB’s K9 Unit. Vancouver Police Department (VPD) conducted its own stolen vehicle operation in Washington and coordinated with Portland Police when vehicles eluded across the river.
The collaborative effort resulted in the recovery of seven stolen vehicles and seven firearms (one firearm was confirmed stolen). Additionally, 15 people were arrested, four vehicles eluded police, and two vehicle pursuits were initiated resulting in successful captures.
This operation focused on the east Portland metropolitan area. The Facebook group, PDX Stolen Cars, helped locate and recover two unoccupied stolen vehicles.
The Stolen Vehicle Operation utilizes data-driven policing strategies. This operation yielded a low ratio of one stolen vehicle located out of every six traffic stops conducted.
Below are the initial results from the February 26th multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation:
41 traffic stops/encounters
7 stolen vehicles
15 custodies
7 illegally possessed firearms (1 confirmed stolen)
4 vehicles eluded (3 captured)
2 vehicle pursuits
3 vehicles towed
Impressive Decreasing Trend in Stolen Vehicles:
Over the last 10 months, stolen vehicle operations have consistently delivered results in reducing vehicle theft rates. In January 2023, there were 984 vehicles reported stolen. In January 2024, it was 473 for a 56% decrease.
April: 24.4% decrease compared to the previous year (892 to 674)
May: 23.7% decrease compared to the previous year (849 to 648)
June: 26.7% decrease compared to the previous year (829 to 607)
July: 29.7% decrease compared to the previous year (862 to 606)
August: 35.3% decrease compared to the previous year (939 to 608)
September: 25.5% decrease compared to the previous year (861 to 644)
October: 36.6% decrease compared to the previous year (931 to 590)
November: 44% decrease compared to the previous year (966 to 538)
December: 42% decrease compared to the previous year (895 to 523)
January: 56% decrease compared to the previous year (984 to 437)
There are a lot of factors that go into crime trends, but enforcement efforts driven by data analysis, efficient use of limited resources, and interagency partnerships have been key factors in the reduction in car thefts in Portland. Car thefts are extremely impactful for victims, especially those who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods. Stolen vehicles are often used by suspects in other crimes including robberies and shootings. Interdicting those occupied stolen cars can prevent other crimes.
For more on East Precinct’s innovative use of data, to make fewer stops, resulting in better outcomes, visit: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=462764
Photo description: Vehicle stopped
Photo description: Gun recovered
Photo description: Suspect in custody
Photo description: Guns recovered
Photo description: Cash recovered
###PPB###