Aloha, OR – A GPS-equipped bait bicycle deployed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has led to 34 arrests since the program began earlier this spring, according to authorities.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, graveyard deputies have been using a traditional mountain bike equipped with concealed GPS technology at multiple locations throughout Aloha since April 2026.
Deputies place the bicycle in well-traveled areas and monitor its built-in GPS alarm system. When the bike is taken, deputies receive an alert, track its location, and move in to recover the bicycle and arrest the suspect.
The sheriff’s office said the bait bike has been repeatedly stolen and recovered during the operation.
Since the program was introduced in mid-April, authorities report the operation has resulted in 34 arrests. Deputies also said several of those arrests led to the discovery of individuals with outstanding warrants and others allegedly found in possession of controlled substances.
The sheriff’s office said the program is intended to combat property theft while using technology to improve public safety and assist investigators.
Officials are also reminding bicycle owners to help reduce theft by locking bikes in secure locations and keeping records of their bicycles’ serial numbers, which can aid law enforcement in recovering stolen property.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies will continue using the bait bike program as part of ongoing efforts to deter bicycle theft and other property crimes throughout the county.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111, or call 911 if the situation is an emergency.
