PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau is warning drivers about thieves around the city who are stealing electronic parts, like sensors, from Hondas.
Since mid-November, the bureau has received at least 18 reports of thefts. In one of the cases, Ron Tonkin Honda in Southeast Portland reported that 17 vehicles on its lots were targeted.
“They are not cheap. I know to immediately replace those in the vehicles, it's upwards of $2,000,” said Nate Patton, sales manager at Ron Tonkin Honda. The dealership has had about 30 customers come in to replace sensors on their vehicles that were stolen.
Patton adds that thieves are most likely attempting to sell the stolen sensors: “They are probably selling them online."
The thefts have been reported across the Portland metro area, but a "significant number" of them have happened in Southeast Portland, police said, particularly from Southeast Stark Street to Southeast Woodstock Boulevard and Southeast Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Southeast 82nd Avenue.
“We want the community to know this is happening, to be aware of it,” explained Mike Benner, public information officer with Portland Police Bureau. “It’s important to park in the garage if you can do so. Park in a well-lit area if you can do so, or park your vehicle in a way that makes it difficult to access the front of it.”
Portland police are specifically asking for help to identify at least one suspect who was caught on surveillance video stealing an electronic part from a Honda that was parked outside a home in the Montavilla neighborhood.
Anyone with information about the thefts, or anyone who believes they may be a victim, should contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov.