PORTLAND, OR - A large-scale stolen vehicle operation (SVO) involving seven agencies has resulted in significant results in the form of recovered stolen vehicles, arrests of offenders for numerous crimes, a gun seizure, and more, and it was done using a refined, data-driven approach that maximized the use of the resources and minimized police stops.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, members of the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Parole and Probation, the United States Department of Justice, and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office partnered on a stolen vehicle mission. The mission focused in the area of East Portland.
Preliminary statistics from the mission:
16 - Stops
10 - Stolen vehicles recovered (better than 1:2 ratio of stops to recoveries)
5 - Custodies
1 - Gun Seized
7 - Warrants Serviced
4 - Vehicle Eludes
2 - Pursuits
79 - Personnel participated in the mission, including law enforcement, non-sworn, and civilian partners
Since organized SVOs began in March of 2022, there have been 53 missions, roughly two per month, resulting in the recovery of 474 stolen vehicles, 564 arrests, 84 illegally possessed guns recovered, and an incredible ratio of police stops to stolen vehicles of 1:4. And, perhaps even more significant, the rate of stolen vehicles reported to Portland Police has plummeted 63% in that same time period (from 1040 reports in March 2022 to 387 in September 2024). You can find out more about stolen vehicle trends and view interactive charts by visiting PPB’s Open Data portal: https://www.portland.gov/police/open-data/stolen-vehicle-statistics
Below are a few stories regarding this successful mission:
During the mission, participants were aware that the Portland Police Enhanced Community Safety Team (ECST) and the Focused Intervention Team (FIT) were serving warrants on multiple locations and arresting multiple people for gun related crimes. Mission members assisted, enhancing the safety of the operation.
Chief Bob Day participated in the mission, both on the ground with officers, but also in the Air Support Unit airplane. For more on ASU, see our website here: https://www.portland.gov/police/divisions/air-support-unit
Mission participants responded to multiple attempts to elude police, including people running and trying to hide in neighborhoods. Officers utilized the new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) program to quickly and safely locate and arrest suspects. For more on the drone program, statistics, and policy constraints that PPB members work within, please see our dedicated website here: https://www.portland.gov/police/community/drones
The mission participants have learned that at least two of the suspects arrested are being held for possible pending federal charges brought by the United States Attorney of Oregon.
Members of the crowdsourced Facebook group PDX Stolen Cars again joined the mission and assisted in locating 4 unoccupied stolen vehicles and 1 occupied stolen vehicle.
“I was honored to once again see first-hand the incredible coordination and professionalism of our PPB members and the law enforcement partners who joined us for this mission,” said Chief Bob Day. “The SVO missions are showing tangible results and are a key part of our goals to transform the dynamic between the police and the people we serve, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and focus on organizational growth and development.”
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, statisticians, 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.
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
PPB extends its sincere appreciation to the many partner agencies and community members who assisted with this operation.
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