The Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon has arrested 34 individuals as part of an initiative to combat bicycle theft using bait bikes. The operation, launched in mid-April 2026, involved placing specially equipped bicycles in multiple locations across Aloha, a community west of Portland.
The program has proven effective in less than three months, with deputies repeatedly recovering the stolen bait bikes shortly after they were taken. These recoveries led to the arrests of numerous suspects.
The bait bikes were traditional mountain bikes fitted with concealed GPS tracking devices and alarms. They were strategically placed in high-traffic areas known for frequent theft. During overnight shifts, graveyard deputies monitored the bikes and were alerted by the alarm when a bike was stolen. This allowed for a swift response to recover the stolen property and apprehend the suspects.
In addition to bicycle theft charges, several arrested individuals were found to have outstanding arrest warrants or were in possession of controlled substances.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office encourages bicycle owners to secure their bikes in safe locations and maintain records of their serial numbers to aid in theft investigations. The office stated that deputies are continuously seeking technological solutions to enhance public safety in Washington County. Residents who observe suspicious activity are advised to contact the non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or 911 for emergencies.