Motor Vehicle Thefts on the rise in Portland
The number of motor vehicles stolen in Portland has significantly risen in 2023. Last year there were two reports of stolen vehicles between July 1-16, while this year there have been 14. Year-to-date numbers show 66 thefts in 2023, compared to 46 in 2022. Police say they have seen everything from windows being broken to gain entry, to someone leaving their vehicle running with the keys in the ignition while they made a delivery.
Two Women Drugged in Old Port
On July 13th, the Portland Police compiled two reports where two different women at the same establishment suspect they were drugged while drinking alcohol in the Old Port. If you believe you or someone you are with has been drugged, seek immediate medical treatment. Make sure the medical provider knows that you believe you have been drugged and ask if they are going to test for drugs.
Police Use Pepper Balls to Disperse Fourth of July Crowd
On July 5th, at around 10:35 p.m., police were called to the area of Fox and Anderson streets for reports of a large group setting off fireworks and targeting passing motor vehicles. As patrol officers arrived on scene, they had fireworks discharged at them. Additional units were sent to assist in clearing the large crowd that had congregated on basketball courts, athletic field, and roads. Officers deployed pepper balls to disperse the crowd over the course of an hour and made eight arrests consisting of three adults and five juveniles.
