Smash-grabs rise just as police budget slashed

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Independent reporter Kevin Daughreng recently recorded a video showing a common crime committed in downtown Portland, a smash and grab, where criminals will break the window of a vehicle and steal what remains inside. “Portland has become lawless in many ways,” Kevin stated in his video. Due to a lack of police and law enforcement, these crimes go unpunished. If its bad now, it’s only bound to get worse.

Just a few days ago, OPB reported that the Portland City Council recently slashed $1.9 million from the Portland Police’s budget, which was intended for training and recruiting new police officers. The funds cut to the Portland Police will be allocated to the Portland Parks and Recreation’s maintenance fund in a 7-5 vote.

Watch the full video of Kevin Dahlgren below. Check and follow his X account and support Kevin and his work.

A smash and grab in downtown Portland, Oregon. Just two days ago Portland city Council voted to defund the police an additional $2 million dollars. Smash and grabs are very common. There are spotters that look for the right cars and people to pic.twitter.com/YIXNYnBSFB

— Kevin Dahlgren 🥾 🥾 (@kevinvdahlgren) May 26, 2025