Multi-Agency Stolen Vehicle Operation Results in Recovery of Multiple Stolen Vehicles (Photo)

July 11, 2024 16:00

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Significant decline in stolen vehicles - 2024 currently seeing a 44% reduction in stolen vehicles compared to 2023.


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.

More statistics:
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)
April 2024: 39% decrease compared to the previous year (676 to 407)
May 2024: 33% decrease compared to the previous year (650 to 434)

Community members can find out more about stolen vehicle trends in Portland by visiting PPB’s Open Data portal: https://www.portland.gov/police/open-data/stolen-vehicle-statistics

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. It's not just about the vehicles, either. 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 1: Silver-colored vehicle being towed away
Photo 2: Officers inspect a black SUV

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