NEWPORT, Ore. — The Newport Police Department says a new “bait bike” program is already producing results, with multiple arrests made since the initiative launched in June to combat bicycle theft.
The program was developed by Officer Jack Grippin after recognizing that traditional investigative methods were having little impact on bicycle theft cases. Using a low-cost approach, Grippin created the program and enlisted support from other members of the department.
Since the program began, Officer Grippin has deployed a bait bike nine times. According to the department, the bicycle was stolen during seven of those operations, allowing officers to quickly track down suspects and make arrests.
A bait bike is an unattended bicycle equipped with tracking technology that enables officers to monitor its location in real time. When someone steals the bike, officers can quickly locate the bicycle, identify the suspect, and make an arrest. Police say the program is designed not only to catch offenders but also to discourage future thefts by increasing the likelihood of being caught.
Bicycle theft remains one of the most common property crimes nationwide, according to the Newport Police Department. Many thefts go unreported, and only an estimated 15% to 20% of stolen bicycles are ever recovered, making prevention efforts and proactive enforcement especially important.
The department pointed to similar programs in other Oregon communities, including the Bend Police Department, where bait bike operations were part of a broader theft-reduction strategy that officials say helped reduce bicycle thefts by more than 60% while leading to the arrests of repeat offenders.
In addition to enforcement, Newport police are encouraging residents to take precautions to protect their bicycles. Recommended steps include using a quality U-lock or heavy-duty chain, securing the frame and at least one wheel to a fixed object, recording the bicycle’s serial number, keeping photographs of the bike, registering it through a bicycle registration program when available, and avoiding leaving bicycles unattended overnight in unsecured locations.
Police also urge anyone who witnesses suspicious activity involving bicycles or other property crimes to contact the Newport Police Department.
The department said it plans to continue using intelligence-led enforcement strategies, including bait bike operations, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce property crime and improve public safety for residents and visitors alike.
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