Portland Faces Alarming Rise in Car Theft
One of the pressing issues facing Portland that threatens the safety and security of its residents is car theft. In the last decade, the city has witnessed a worrying rise in vehicle thefts, particularly involving certain makes and models.
High demand for parts, especially from popular vehicle models, including Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and Honda, has made them targets of choice for thieves as their components are easily resalable.
Key Statistics on Vehicle Theft Rates in Portland
In recent years, Portland has faced significantly higher vehicle theft rates compared to national averages, with thousands of vehicles reported stolen annually. Vehicle thefts in the city rose by double digits year over year, culminating in a troubling peak in 2022. However, a reversal of this trend began in 2023, marked by a noticeable decrease in car thefts throughout Portland.
In 2023, reported stolen vehicles dropped from 931 in October 2022 to just 590 in October 2023, marking a significant 36.6% reduction. [1]
Although the number of stolen cars in Portland dropped by 25% between November 2022 and November 2023, the vehicle theft rates remained elevated during January and February of 2023, with the city experiencing an average of 30 cars stolen daily. [2]
From January to October 2023, Portland reported 7,109 motor vehicle thefts, a significant decrease from the 9,226 thefts recorded during the same period the previous year, representing nearly a 23% drop. [3]
In March 2023, there were 747 vehicles reported stolen; however, a year later, in March 2024, that number dropped to 442, reflecting a 40% decrease. [4]
During the period between July 2023 and July 2024, a total of 6,499 stolen vehicles were reported. [5]
Hotspots for Car Thefts in Portland
Car theft hotspots in Portland highlight areas of particular concern for vehicle owners, reflecting patterns of crime that can often be tied to socioeconomic factors, population density, and urban infrastructure.
Following are the notable neighborhoods for car thefts in Portland based on the care thefts reported between July 2023 and July 2024: [5]
- Hazelwood: This residential neighborhood in East Portland has experienced its share of vehicle thefts, particularly in commercial areas and near public transportation hubs. Between July 2023 and July 2024, there were 329 reported car thefts in the area.
- Lents: The area has witnessed 272 car thefts, particularly in areas with less street lighting and surveillance.
- Northwest Portland: It also experiences a surge in car theft (252 car thefts), often related to its attractiveness as a destination for visitors and local residents alike. The mix of parked vehicles, combined with an active nightlife, can make certain parts of Northwest Portland appealing to thieves, especially late at night or during events.
- Centennial: A neighborhood located in East Portland, has emerged as a notable hotspot for car thefts (219 car thefts) in the city. The area is characterized by its residential streets, proximity to major highways, and a mix of commercial and industrial zones, all of which contribute to its higher-than-average vehicle theft rates.
- Downtown Portland: The urban core of the city, Downtown Portland, combines high vehicle density with numerous parking lots and garages. It is also a hotspot for car theft (213 car thefts), particularly in less crowded areas or during off-peak hours.
Top Makes and Models of Stolen Cars in Portland
In Portland, certain makes and models of vehicles are consistently targeted by thieves, reflecting broader trends observed in urban areas across the United States. Here are some of the top makes and models of stolen cars in the city: [5]
Top Models
- Kia Motors Corp Soul
- Hyundai Elantra
- Subaru Forester
- Hyundai Sonata
- Subaru Legacy
- Honda Civic
- Kia Motors Corp Optima
Top Makes
- Kia Motors Corp
- Hyundai
- Ford
- Subaru
- Honda
What Happens if a Stolen Car Hits You?
If a stolen car hits you, the legal implications are significant. Liability can be complex; typically, the driver of the stolen vehicle could be held responsible for the accident. However, you may also pursue claims against the vehicle’s owner if negligence, such as failing to secure the car, is proven.
Insurance coverage for stolen cars can complicate matters; often, the owner’s insurance may not cover damages incurred during the theft, leaving you to navigate insurance claims and financial recovery amid trauma.
Your rights are paramount, and law enforcement plays a critical role in these incidents. They investigate the crash, identifying the driver and any criminal activity involved, which may affect liability and potential claims.
A tragic example highlights these issues: the stolen car crash that claimed the lives of two former Ida B. Wells students, Dylan Brasky, and Jayden Rolon-Ekis, highlights the serious consequences and dangers associated with vehicle theft. The incident, which occurred on June 25, 2024, underscores not only the risks posed to those who steal vehicles but also the collateral damage inflicted on innocent individuals.
The crash involved a stolen car, with Rolon-Ekis driving and Brasky as a passenger, leaving a third former student with serious injuries. This case serves as a reminder that the impact of car theft extends far beyond the immediate loss of property, affecting families, friends, and entire communities. [6]
Compare Portland's Car Theft Crime Statistics with Other Major Cities in the U.S.
Car theft statistics can vary significantly between cities and can be influenced by various factors, including population density, law enforcement practices, socioeconomic conditions, and urban infrastructure.
In 2022, Portland experienced a significant rise in vehicle theft crime trends, with a total of 10,891 vehicles stolen. This marked an increase from 6,454 thefts in 2020 and 9,059 in 2021, highlighting a concerning trend over the years. [7]
When compared to other cities of similar size, Portland’s vehicle theft rates rank noticeably high. In 2022, Denver recorded 15,267 vehicle thefts, which surpasses Portland’s figures. In contrast, Boston reported only 1,314 stolen vehicles, indicating a substantially lower rate of theft compared to both Portland and Denver. [7]
On a positive note, the police officers in the Portland Police Bureau (PPB stolen vehicle operations team) have managed to recover the vast majority of stolen vehicles, providing a silver lining to the troubling theft statistics. In 2022, an impressive 82% of stolen cars were recovered within 30 days, and overall, 93% of vehicles stolen throughout the year were successfully returned to their owners in their stolen vehicle mission.
As of 2023, the recovery efforts remain strong, with 84% of stolen vehicles recovered within the first 30 days and a total recovery rate of 88% for the year thus far. [7]
If you have been hit and injured by a stolen vehicle, contact our Portland car accident lawyers today.
Sources:
[1] Portland Facebook group helps police find stolen car; 4 arrested. (n.d.). KGW. Retrieved September 8, 2024, from https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/stolen-vehicle-arrests-southeast-portland/
[2] Ferrara, J. R. (2023, December 26). KOIN https://www.koin.com/news/crime/portland-sees-dramatic-decline-in-stolen-cars-in-2023/
[3] Gaitán, C. (2023, November 28). Car thefts declining in Portland after record-breaking surge. Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2023/11/car-thefts-declining-in-portland-after-record-breaking-surge.html
[4] A unique collaboration’: Unlikely partnerships help Portland police tackle car theft. (n.d.). KGW. Retrieved September 7, 2024, from https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/solutions/stolen-vehicles-decrease-portland-police-partnerships/
[5] Stolen Vehicle Statistics. (n.d.). Portland.gov. https://www.portland.gov/police/open-data/stolen-vehicle-statistics
[6] Peterson, D. (2024, July 2). KOIN https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-police-give-new-details-in-stolen-car-crash-that-killed-2-former-ida-b-wells-students/
[7] Arden, A. (2023, April 13). KOIN https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/an-average-of-30-cars-are-stolen-every-day-in-portland/
