GRESHAM, Ore. — A Gresham car wash owner is offering a $5,000 reward after thieves damaged a payment kiosk, causing up to $71,000 in losses and leaving the business unable to operate for months.
Security cameras captured two suspects breaking into the kiosk at Scrubby's Car Wash on Northeast Burnside Road just before 2 a.m. Monday, using a battery-powered saw to slice through stainless steel and steal cash. The pay station is central to running the unmanned carwash.
"It hits you, it's depressing, it's frustrating," said owner Dean Hurford. "Whoever did it is sophisticated. This person knew this equipment. They broke in quicker than I could have."
Hurford estimates it will take two to three months to replace the pay station costing between $63,000 and $71,000, meaning significant lost income. Despite the setback, he's prioritizing his customers.
"To our customers, I want to apologize," Hurford said. "We have a very loyal customer base and I just want them to know, hey, we'll be up and running as soon as we can."
He plans to work with Gresham police to coordinate a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. "I want these people caught because they'll be someplace else tonight," Hurford said.
Anyone with information on this case can call the Gresham police Tip Line at 503-618-2719 and reference case number 24-52492.