Police Use Bait Bikes to Catch Thieves in Oregon

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) reported on Tuesday that they made at least 34 arrests in connection with a scheme to use bait bikes designed to catch individuals stealing bicycles. This operation targeted areas known for property theft and started back in mid-April 2026.

Specially equipped bicycles were placed in various locations throughout the West Portland community of Aloha as part of an anti-theft initiative. Within just a few months, law enforcement officials noted significant results: the bait bikes were stolen multiple times but were quickly recovered, leading to a substantial number of arrests.

According to the sheriff’s office, “The bait bike was repeatedly stolen and recovered by officers shortly thereafter, leading to the arrest.”

Innovative Tactics with Bait Bikes

The operation involved using traditional mountain bikes fitted with GPS tracking devices and alarms, strategically located in high-theft areas. During the night, cemetery staff monitored these bikes so they could quickly respond if any of them went missing.

Once a bike was stolen, an alert would notify the officer overseeing the situation, prompting a swift recovery effort. The program’s success, noted by officials, resulted in arrests of nearly 30 individuals, some of whom had outstanding warrants or were found with illegal substances.

WCSO also issued a reminder to all bicycle owners to secure their bikes and keep a record of their serial numbers to aid in recovery efforts.

Ongoing Efforts for Public Safety

“Sheriff’s Department officials continue to explore ways to use technology as a tool to keep Washington County safe and improve public safety,” the WCSO said. Community members witnessing suspicious activity are encouraged to reach out to the non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111, or call 911 in emergencies.