Portland crime ring busted for theft and illegal gun possession, 7 arrested

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A months-long investigation led to the arrest of several people believed to be involved in a crime ring that involved illegal gun possession, identity theft and property theft, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

Investigators say more crimes could be linked to the group of seven people — three of whom were underage — after officers discovered “the crime ring had developed a method of operation.”

According to police, the group would prowl the suburbs of Portland, Newberg, Sandy, Damascus, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Washington County, Silverton, and Oregon City to search for vehicles that were left unlocked.

“They go through the vehicles to look for car keys, valuables, firearms, and credit cards. Within hours of the theft, the subjects go to a Safeway, QFC, or other stores to purchase Visa Gift cards,” PPB said. “They load the gift cards with anywhere between $100-$350 and purchase the gift cards with victim credit cards that were stolen from the car prowls. They continue to purchase the gift cards until the transactions are denied. In addition, there have been multiple vehicles that were stolen from the neighborhoods because the car keys were left inside of them.”

Police served two search warrants Friday, Nov. 22 and arrested the group, though they believe there could be others involved and more crimes left unaccounted.

Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to contact PPB.