Multiple law-enforcement agencies teamed up this week to continue the crackdown on car thieves in the Portland metro area, Portland police said.
An operation on Monday recovered 10 stolen cars and arrested seven people. Five drivers fled when they spotted officers, prompting three chases that led to “successful captures,” according to the Portland Police Bureau.
Police said analytics prove these missions targeting car thieves are working. In March 2023, 747 vehicles were reported stolen in the metro area. In March 2024, 442 vehicles were reported stolen, a 40% decrease.
The crowdsourced Facebook group PDX Stolen Cars, launched by frustrated area residents in 2021, helped authorities this week locate and recover three unoccupied stolen vehicles, police said.
In total, the Facebook group has helped authorities recover 42 stolen cars in recent years, police said.
This latest mission, led by the Portland Police Bureau, included members from the Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland police, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Auto Theft Task Force.
-- Tom Hallman Jr. is a member of the public safety team. Reach him at 503 221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com