Portland, OR - Last night Oregon Republican Party’s newly elected Chairman Jerry Cummings joined the ranks of thousands of Portland area victims of motor vehicle theft.

While attending an event in Portland Thursday night, his car was stolen from its on-street parking spot in the city. Portland Police took the crime report at the scene. While Portland Police Bureau attempts to find stolen vehicles, fewer than 80% are recovered.

Many end up in chop shops where thieves dismantle and sell them for parts.

High crime rates, along with high taxes, and business-unfriendly regulatory policies have forced many Oregon businesses to flee Portland. Crimegrade.org gives Oregon a D- grade for property crimes including motor vehicle theft, listing Oregon in the 12th percentile for public safety. Oregonians deserve a government that prioritizes crime-free neighborhoods and city streets to ensure that neighborhood businesses prosper and people enjoy our once beautiful cities.