GRESHAM, Ore. — Spring is typically a busy time of the year at Gresham PowerSports. This year is different though. It is not business as usual.
"We've definitely declined in sales," said owner Nate DeRoss. "Our parts business is down."
DeRoss says what happened last week hurt. Four waverunners and two trailers, totaling more than $50,000, were stolen from Gresham PowerSports. Two of the waverunners and one of the trailers have been found and returned, but the other items are still missing.
"Being a small business we do this because we love it," said DeRoss. "Any blow like that is going to hurt us big time."
Law enforcement understands the hardships businesses are facing, especially those that have been closed due to Governor Kate Brown's executive order. The Gresham Police Department is teaming up with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office to launch the 'Business Premises Check' program. The owners of businesses that are closed due to the stay-home order can sign up to have officers and deputies walk their properties periodically looking for any signs of trouble.
"It gives the business owners peace of mind as they're going through this tough time," said Chief Robin Sells of the Gresham Police Department. "It's hard enough not to have the business coming in on a daily basis let alone be potential victims."
"Checking doors and making sure fences are locked, keeping the temptation down is a good thing," added DeRoss.
DeRoss very much appreciates what law enforcement is doing for his cohorts who cannot open the doors to their businesses. DeRoss is looking forward to the time when it is not needed.
"Hopefully this thing will pass and we'll be back at it," he said.