By Kimberly A.C. Wilson / The Oregonian
Vandals have punctured tires on more than 300 trucks and vans in Portland since May, and officers need the public’s help to solve the frustrating crimes.
The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers of Oregon, is offering $1,000 for tips leading to arrests in the cases of vehicle vandalism.
The first reports of vandalism came on May 19, said Sgt. Pete Simpson, a police spokesperson.
A map shows clusters of reported tire puncturings: large and small crossover-style SUVs, as well as trucks and vans, all parked on the street. Some victims have been hit multiple times. The crimes have taken place under cover of darkness and in broad daylight, on every day of the week.
Northeast Portland neighborhoods have suffered the highest volume of vandalisms — Alameda, Irvington, Rose City, and Grant Park in particular — but the phenomenon has spread into Southeast Portland’s Laurelhurst, Richmond, Sunnyside, and Kerns neighborhoods.
More than 300 reports were filed through Aug. 30, an average of 20 to 25 new reports each week. Total damage estimates from reports filed online at range from $60,000 to $120,000.
Police have no suspects.
