Portland, Oregon – In a display of law enforcement collaboration, the year’s last stolen vehicle operation in Portland police says it was a success. They did recovery of stolen cars and claimed a efficient use of resources. On Thursday, December 28, 2023, a joint effort involving East Precinct officers with K9 Units, the Air Support Unit, Gresham Police Department officers, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office (MCDA) carried out the final Stolen Vehicle Operation (SVO) of the year.
This operation showcased law enforcement agencies working in unison to combat vehicle theft in the region. With a well-coordinated strategy, officers utilized their specialized skills and resources to maximize results. The success of this operation can be attributed to the seamless collaboration between agencies, strengthening the fight against vehicle theft in Portland.
The SVO produced:
20 – Stops
9 – Stolen Vehicles Recovered
9 – Custodies
1 – Gun
8 – Arrest Warrants Serviced
2 – Vehicles Elude
One of the notable achievements of this operation was the significant reduction in the number of stops required to locate and recover stolen vehicles. Through meticulous planning and intelligence gathering, law enforcement officers were able to pinpoint the whereabouts of the stolen cars efficiently. This streamlined approach not only saved valuable time but also ensured the safety of the community.
The Air Support Unit provided crucial aerial support, enabling officers on the ground to navigate the city more effectively and track the stolen vehicles from an advantageous vantage point. This aerial assistance significantly increased the operation’s efficiency and success rate. The Air Support Unit assisted in locating a fleeing vehicle during the operation. The driver was ultimately taken into custody and a gun thrown from the vehicle was recovered.
From January through November of 2023, there were 7,454 stolen vehicles reported to PPB. Last year, for that same time period, there were 10,004. That is 2,550 fewer stolen vehicles. Collaboration with the Gresham Police Department further enhanced the operation’s effectiveness. By pooling their resources and sharing intelligence, officers from both agencies were able to extend their reach and apprehend suspects involved in the thefts. Such partnerships are essential in tackling vehicle theft, as criminals often operate across jurisdictional boundaries.
