PORTLAND, OR — A coordinated bait bike operation across Portland’s central neighborhoods led to three arrests, the seizure of over 14 grams of cocaine, and the towing of two vehicles, police announced Friday, as efforts intensify to crack down on open bike theft and drug activity in the city’s core.
On Thursday, officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct — alongside the Bike Squads and Entertainment Detail — carried out a targeted bait bike mission in Downtown, Old Town, Couch Park, Goose Hollow, and the South Park Blocks. The operation, planned in direct response to a bold daytime e-bike theft earlier this summer, resulted in the arrest of two people with outstanding warrants and a third for first-degree theft.
The e-bike theft that sparked the mission occurred on July 10 in the 300 block of Southwest 10th Avenue, where a suspect used a power grinder to cut a lock and steal a bike while two others acted as lookouts. The stolen e-bike was equipped with an AirTag and tracked to North Portland, but responding officers were unable to recover it or locate the suspects. Surveillance photos of those believed involved have been released, and police are still seeking tips.
During Thursday’s operation, officers also assisted private security in detaining a known repeat shoplifter and supported Rapid Response workers during cleanup at a posted homeless encampment where individuals reportedly resisted.
The Portland Police Bureau said the successful outcomes of the mission have prompted plans for future bait bike stings to enhance public safety and combat the growing issue of bike theft in public areas.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the July theft to contact [email protected] and reference case number 25-183852.
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Key Points
- Portland’s bait bike mission led to three arrests and the seizure of cocaine
- The operation responded to a previous e-bike theft involving power tools and lookouts
- Police plan future sting operations following the success of this week’s mission
Bait bike sting busts wanted suspects and nets drugs as Portland ramps up theft crackdowns