Car theft rates in Portland continue a significant downward trend amidst continuing multiagency stolen vehicle operations spearheaded out of East Precinct.
The afternoon and evening of Saturday, November 18, 2023, PPB East Precinct ran a joint agency Stolen Vehicle Operation with Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force, PPB’s K9 Unit, and PPB’s Air Support Unit.
Eleven stolen vehicles in total were identified and recovered, 1 firearm seized, and 8 people taken into custody.
The operation focused on the north and east Portland metropolitan area. Crowdsourced Facebook group PDX Stolen Cars again assisted the operation helping locate and recover 2 unoccupied stolen vehicles.
Police attempted to stop the driver of a stolen Toyota Tacoma pick-up that eluded at Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 133rd Avenue. The stolen vehicle was followed by PPB’s Air Support Unit as the driver continued to drive recklessly into oncoming traffic. The driver drove onto Glendoveer public golf course. The driver narrowly missed golfers on the course driving the stolen vehicle on the fairway and across greens, he was taken into custody on the 14th hole.
Another stolen vehicle was identified by Gresham officers. The stolen vehicle’s driver eluded police and was monitored by PPB’s Air Support Unit. The driver was apprehended, taken into custody, and an illegally possessed firearm seized.
Statistics and 1-3 Stolen Vehicles to Stops Ratio
Below are the initial results from the November 18th multiagency Stolen Vehicle Operation:
31 – Stops/Encounters
11 – Stolen Vehicles
8 – Custodies
11 – Warrants
1 – Illegally Possessed Firearm
8 – Vehicles Eluded (6 captured)
6 – Suspects Eluded on Foot (4 captured)
9 – Vehicle Tows
Utilizing data-driven policing strategies, the operation again yielded a low ratio of one stolen vehicle located out of every three traffic stops. This operation also saw every agency involved identify and locate an active stolen vehicle within the community.
Impressive Decreasing Trend in Stolen Vehicles
Over the last eight months, our program has consistently delivered outstanding results in reducing vehicle theft rates. In October 2022, there were 931 vehicles reported stolen to PPB. In October 2023 it was 590, a 36.6% decrease year over year.
-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)
In a press release on Wednesday, the Portland Police Bureau said: “We know that there are a lot of factors that go into crime trends, but we believe that 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. It’s something that we’re gratified to see because we know reducing theft rates mean fewer victims. 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, and we believe interdicting those occupied stolen cars can prevent other crimes. We certainly have a long way to go and we’re not declaring victory over this problem. But the trend is going the right direction, and our intent is to continue these efforts going forward.”
