A multi-agency stolen vehicle operation resulted in the recovery of a gun and multiple stolen vehicles.
On Monday, April 22, 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, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Parole & Probation, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force, PPB’s K9 Unit, and PPB’s Air Support Unit.
The multi-agency collaborative effort resulted in the apprehension of 10 stolen vehicles. Additionally, seven people were arrested. Five vehicles eluded police. Three vehicle pursuits were initiated, resulting in successful captures. Four of the five vehicles that eluded police were confirmed stolen. One of the stolen vehicles had multiple occupants run from vehicle. The occupants were later taken into custody by Port of Portland Police near the 2000 block of Northeast 205th Avenue in Fairview. One individual arrested possessed a gun with the serial number destroyed (Port of Portland Case Number: 24-6665).
The crowdsourced Facebook group, PDX Stolen Cars, helped locate and recover three unoccupied stolen vehicles. This is the 17th operation that PDX Stolen Cars has assisted on. The group has helped us recover 42 stolen vehicles.
The Stolen Vehicle Operation utilizes data-driven evidence-based practices and collaborates with OHSU Knight Cancer Institute scientist. This operation yielded a low ratio of 1 stolen vehicle located out of every 2 traffic stops/encounters.
Below are the initial results from the April 22nd multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation:
20 - traffic stops/encounters
10 - stolen vehicles
7 - custodies
7 - active arrest warrants serviced
1 - seized gun (illegally possessed)
5 - vehicles eluded (4 confirmed stolen)
3 - vehicle pursuits (all captured)
6 - vehicles towed
Impressive Decreasing Trend in Stolen Vehicles:
Over the last 12 months, stolen vehicle operations have consistently delivered results in reducing vehicle theft rates. In March 2023, there were 747 vehicles reported stolen. In March 2024, it was 442 for a 40% decrease.
April 2023: 24.4% decrease compared to the previous year (892 to 674)
May 2023: 23.7% decrease compared to the previous year (849 to 648)
June 2023: 26.7% decrease compared to the previous year (829 to 607)
July 2023: 29.7% decrease compared to the previous year (862 to 606)
August 2023: 35.3% decrease compared to the previous year (939 to 608)
September 2023: 25.5% decrease compared to the previous year (861 to 644)
October 2023: 36.6% decrease compared to the previous year (931 to 590)
November 2023: 44% decrease compared to the previous year (966 to 538)
December 2023: 42% decrease compared to the previous year (895 to 523)
January 2024: 56% decrease compared to the previous year (984 to 437)
February 2024: 48% decrease compared to the previous year (802 to 420)
March 2024: 40% decrease compared to the previous year (747 to 442)
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 PPB'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: Suspect in custody
Photo description: Gun seized
Photo description: Vehicle stopped
Photo description: Vehicle stopped
Photo description: Roll call
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