See why they’ve issued a Crime Stoppers alert for these proficient outer East Portland criminals …
Before this long-established restaurant opened for the day, burglars cut their way in, and made off with an ATM.
By David F. Ashton
After being alerted by a commercial burglar alarm, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers headed in the direction of the Pink Feather Restaurant and Lounge, located at 14145 SE Division Street, early on August 4 – just after the sun came up.
At 5:06 a.m. on August 4, these alleged burglars, dressed as workers, prepared to break into the restaurant.
“When they arrived at 6:31 a.m., officers discovered a hole in the wall of the business,” said PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson.
“The investigation revealed that the suspects used a torch to cut through a wall, then used the torch to cut loose the ATM inside the business. They loaded it into a truck and escaped the area,” Simpson said.
The burglars of the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood establishment most likely escaped the notice of passers-by because they were dressed as workmen – complete with hard hats.
The thieves reportedly put the ATM in a dumpster, wheeled it across the street and used the same torch to open it. When a challenged, the suspects allegedly said, “We’re fixing it.”
Taking his time, the man walks past a surveillance camera some 40 minutes later.
Pink Feather’s manager Courtney Kelley told reporters she suspected that the burglars had committed similar, carefully-planned crimes.
“The suspect vehicle is described as a white Chevy or GMC extended cab pick-up truck,” Simpson said. “One of the suspects appears to be a white male.”
If you recognize this person, turn him in anonymously and receive up to $1,000 in cash.
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and tipsters can remain anonymous.
Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at their website [CLICK HERE], text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by the tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave the tip information.
Or, contact Portland Police Bureau’s Burglary Detail investigator Sgt. Troy Pahlke at (503) 823-0410, or e-mail troy.pahlke@portlandoregon.gov.
© 2014 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News