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Multnomah County, Gresham partner to fight crime during pandemic


(KATU Photo)
(KATU Photo)
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With so many businesses closed, the opportunity for break-ins seems to be on the rise.

Gresham police say there has been a rise in crime at local businesses. Since many are closed, they say burglars see this as an opportunity.

Now Gresham police and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office have a plan.

“All the business owner has to do is sign up for the program, and we take it from there,” says Sheriff Mike Reese who has a partnership with Gresham police. “We’ve been monitoring crime in Multnomah County since the pandemic and what we’ve noticed is an uptick in burglaries to closed businesses.”

Any business that closed during the pandemic either in Multnomah County or Gresham can opt in to the Businesses Premises Check Program.

“They’ll do a premises check; they’ll check the doors and make sure the building is secure,” says Reese.

If officers or deputies see anything unusual, they’ll alert the owners.

Meanwhile, Reese says there are things you can do to protect your business -- like installing security systems, alarms and paying attention to the exterior.

"Landscaping, trimmed back, neat, clean appearance of your business and having it well lit -- those will all help in making sure your property is secure," Reese says.

He says the program will go on as long as the stay-at-home order is in effect.

Businesses in Gresham, Maywood Park, Troutdale and Wood Village are all eligible for the premises check program. To determine if your business is in the patrol district, use the online tool.

To sign up for the service, click here.

Gresham businesses should click here.

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