At least 34 people have been taken into custody after Oregon deputies used bait bicycles to target suspected thieves, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) announced Tuesday.
The initiative began in mid-April 2026, with specially outfitted bikes positioned at several sites in Aloha, an unincorporated community west of Portland, as authorities worked to curb theft in the area.
In less than three months, officials said, the strategy has delivered repeated results: the bikes were stolen, tracked and recovered by deputies, leading to dozens of arrests.
“The bait bike has been repeatedly stolen and, shortly after, recovered by deputies, leading to arrests,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Authorities seize dozens of bicycles in California. (California Highway Patrol – Golden Gate Division)
According to officials, the operation relied on standard mountain bikes fitted with hidden GPS trackers and alarms, then placed in busy locations considered more vulnerable to theft.
Deputies assigned to overnight shifts monitored the bicycles, enabling them to respond quickly whenever one of the bait bikes was moved or taken.
“When the bike is taken, the alarm notifies the deputies monitoring the beacon, and they move in to recover the stolen bike,” the sheriff’s office said.
AMERICAN DRIVERS WARNED ABOUT RED FLAGS TO AVOID ‘PREDATORY TOWING’ TARGETING MOTORISTS ACROSS US
ALSO READ: Unmasking the Church: Hugh Jackman's Faith and Emily Watson's Chilling Accusations
A man rides a bike through the downtown section on Oct. 06, 2025, in Portland, (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Nearly three dozen people have been arrested through the operation, with several suspects allegedly found to have outstanding arrest warrants or in possession of controlled substances.
WCSO encouraged bicycle owners to secure their bikes in safe locations and keep records of their serial numbers to assist deputies investigating thefts.
Bicycles are secured to a roof rack in an undated photo. (Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
“Sheriff’s Office deputies continue to look for ways to keep Washington County safe and embrace technology as a tool to improve public safety,” WCSO said.
Residents who witness suspicious activity can contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 when appropriate.
