PORTLAND A $1,000 reward was offered Thursday for information leading to an arrest in a rash of tire slashings that have plagued Portland neighborhoods since May.
Police are asking the public to help solve hundreds of vehicle vandalisms in Northeast and Southeast Portland neighborhoods, said Sgt. Pete Simpson with Portland police.
The vandal or vandals appear to be targeting SUVs, trucks and vans, with some of the vehicles getting tires punctured multiple times, Simpson said.
Background: NE Portland neighbors hit with tire slashings
Estimates show 300 reports have been filed since May, with an average of 20-25 new reports each week. Authorities estimate damages total anywhere from $60,000 to $120,000.
In July, KGW spoke with a woman who had her tires slashed. She said someone at a nearby tire store said they were seeing 50 to 60 tire puncture incidents every week.
Police confirmed someone was puncturing tires through the sidewalls with some kind of tire-destroying needle.
Vandals are striking at night every day of the week. Police do not have a suspect and victims mostly discover the damage the next morning.
Victims who discover damaged tires can file a report online here.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Tips can be left at 503-823-4357 or online at Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
