On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Portland Police Bureau conducted a multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation (SVO) with the Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force, PPB’s K9 Unit, and PPB’s Air Support Unit. The community group, PDX Stolen Cars, also assisted in recovering stolen vehicles. This operation focused on the North Portland metropolitan area.
The collaborative effort resulted in the recovery of eight stolen vehicles. Additionally, six people were arrested, six vehicles eluded police, and two vehicle pursuits were initiated.
The Vancouver Police Department also coordinated a SVO at the same time. Two vehicles eluded police in Portland and chose to recklessly drive north leaving Oregon for Vancouver. PPB’s Air Support Unit monitored the vehicles and notified Vancouver Police, who were able to successfully apprehend both vehicles and take the drivers into custody.
Members of the crowdsourced Facebook group PDX Stolen Cars assisted in locating four stolen vehicles – three unoccupied, one occupied. This is the 22nd Stolen Vehicle Operation that PDX Stolen Cars has assisted with. The group has helped PPB recover 56 stolen vehicles.
The Portland Police Bureau is using evidence-based practice methodology to greatly increase the chances of stopping occupied stolen vehicles. This operation yielded a low ratio of one stolen vehicle located out of every two traffic stops/encounters. The Stolen Vehicle Operation utilizes data-driven evidence-based practices. In order to ensure these missions were informed and data driven, PPB SVO leadership collaborates with scientists and data analysis experts at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. As a result of this unique continuing collaboration, the OHSU team of scientists have provided valuable peer review and ideas used to improve the process.
Below are the initial results from the July 9th multi-agency Stolen Vehicle Operation:
20 - traffic stops/encounters
8 - stolen vehicles
7 – custodies
7 - active arrest warrants serviced
6 - vehicles eluded
2 - vehicle pursuit
Impressive Decreasing Trend in Stolen Vehicles
Compared to the same time period in 2023, stolen vehicles in 2024 have decreased by 44%.
Over the last 14 months, stolen vehicle operations have consistently delivered results in reducing vehicle theft rates. In May 2023, there were 650 vehicles reported stolen. In May 2024, it was 434, an incredible 33% decrease.
Source: Portland Police