Police Catch Car Prowler In The Act

PORTLAND, OR — Following a car clout on Sunday, which resulted in an arrest, Portland police remind residents to avoid leaving valuable items in plain view in their cars.

Darren Michael Brodine, 51, was taken to Multnomah County Jail and charged with theft, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, and criminal mischief. He is ineligible for bail as he is also being held on a parole violation, police said.

Central Precinct officers patrolling Northwest 14th Avenue and Northwest Everett Street in downtown Portland reportedly saw Brodine break into a car, take a purse, and ride off on a bike.

The officers caught up to Brodine and took him into custody without incident, police said.

The victim, who was evidently flying out of town Tuesday, "was very grateful," police said.

From the Portland Police Bureau:

The Portland Police Bureau would like to remind community members to keep the interior of their vehicles "showroom" clean.
Community members are advised never to leave valuables, including bags, purses, wallets, briefcases, laptops, tablets, cell phones, loose change or anything that may appear valuable to a thief in plain view.
Additional crime prevention tips can be found by visiting the City of Portland's Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention page regarding car prowls.

The Bureau also shared a YouTube video produced in 2009 that gives insight into how a car prowler thinks:

For his part, Brodine has an extensive 30-year criminal history in Oregon and Multnomah County, specifically, dating back to 1989. His charges over the years have included thefts, assaults, possession of methamphetamine, and burglary.

Image via Portland Police Bureau