Oregon sheriff’s bait bike program leads to 34 arrests
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At least 34 people were arrested after Oregon sheriff’s deputies deployed bait bikes in an attempt to catch suspected thieves targeting stolen property, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said Tuesday.
The operation was launched in mid-April 2026, when specially equipped bikes were placed at multiple locations in Aloha, a community west of Portland, as part of anti-theft efforts.
The tactic proved effective in less than three months, with bait bikes repeatedly stolen and quickly recovered by deputies, resulting in dozens of arrests, authorities said.
“The bait bike was stolen multiple times and soon recovered by deputies, leading to arrests,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. he said.
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Authorities seized dozens of bicycles in California. (California Highway Patrol – Golden Gate Division)
The program reportedly uses traditional mountain bikes equipped with hidden GPS tracking devices and alarms, placed in high-traffic areas where thefts are most likely to occur.
Cemetery staff monitored the bikes during night shifts, allowing them to respond quickly when bait bikes were picked up.
“When the bike is picked up, the alarm notifies deputies who monitor the signal and they take action to recover the stolen bike,” the sheriff’s office said.
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A man rides a bike downtown in Portland on October 06, 2025. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Nearly three dozen people were arrested during the operation, and some suspects were alleged to have outstanding warrants or were in possession of controlled substances.
WCSO encouraged bike owners to keep their bikes in safe places and keep records of their serial numbers to assist deputies investigating thefts.
In an undated photo, the bikes are secured to the roof rack. (Jean-Yves Ruszniewski/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
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“Sheriff’s Office deputies continue to seek ways to keep Washington County safe and embrace technology as a tool to improve public safety,” WCSO said. he said.
Residents who witness suspicious activity can contact non-emergency assistance at 503-629-0111 or call 911 when appropriate.
