Neighbor: Car stolen from Gresham delivery driver was far from first

Published: Mar. 26, 2023 at 2:28 PM PDT

GRESHAM, Ore. (KPTV) - The car of a Gresham food delivery driver was stolen Sunday morning, according to the Gresham Police Department.

Police responded around 12:45 p.m. Sunday to a report of a stolen 2020 Kia Sportage. Surveillance camera video shows it was likely stolen around 6:15 a.m.

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Police are looking for a 2020 burnt copper Kia Sportage stolen from Gresham. It had a temporary permit on the back window, and also may have a broken window.(Gresham Police Department)

The car’s owner just bought it three days ago, and she hopes to find it soon, because she makes a living as a food delivery driver.

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The vehicle is burnt copper and does not have plates on it. It had a temporary permit on the back window.

When a FOX 12 crew went looking for the victim, they stumbled across an apartment complex near where the vehicle was stolen, near Northeast 162nd Avenue and Holladay Street. Residents living there, like Carol Olsen, say it happens all the time.

“They’re taking anything they can get their hands on,” Olsen said.

Olsen said one of her neighbors has been a victim of car theft three times in five months.

“They’ll take whatever they can get,” but she says it seems as though Kias, like the car stolen Sunday, are being targeted.

“Out of driveways even,” she said. “It’s crazy. Losing your car totally and having to buy another one, that’s ridiculous.”

Police say that broken glass was found near where the Kia was stolen, suggesting a broken window.

Broken glass is something Olsen says she sees all over the parking lot.

“There has been numerous cars broken into,” she said. “One of them had everything thrown out in the parking lot. All their belongings. Which, just breaks my heart to think about someone having to repair that.”

Olsen says she likes to park her car nearby, and staying up late, even keeps an eye out for her neighbors. Overall, she says it seems as though a good portion of the thieves are young.

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“I think parents should teach their kids to respect other people’s property,” she said.

She believes the thieves are likely selling the cars and using the money for drugs.

“I’ve seen them sitting on the curb doing their drugs,” she said. “It’s sad. It’s everywhere.”

Gresham police are warning drivers to do everything they can to protect themselves by using anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call the tip line at (503) 618-2719.