Newport Police Department Using "Bait Bikes" To Combat Bicycle Theft - 07/23/26

Incident: Newport Police Department Using "Bait Bikes" to Combat Bicycle Theft

Location: Newport, OR

Date/Time: July 22^nd, 2026 @ 11:20 AM

Details: The Newport Police Department is committed to protecting our community and reducing property crime. As part of that commitment, the department has recently been utilizing specially equipped "bait bikes" in areas where bicycle thefts have historically occurred.

The Newport Police Department “Bait Bike” Program was started by Officer Jack Grippin after he realized that traditional investigative methods were not having an impact. He developed a low to no cost method to start the program and got other department members on board. The program, which has been in effect since June, began seeing immediate results and has produced multiple arrests. Officer Grippin has deployed a “bait bike” 9 times since starting the program and the “bait bike” has been stolen 7 of the 9 times during his operations.

A bait bike is an unattended bicycle equipped with technology that allows officers to monitor its location in real time. Individuals who choose to steal the bicycle can be quickly identified, located, and arrested. The goal of the program is not only to apprehend offenders but also to deter future thefts by increasing the perceived risk of being caught.

Bicycle theft continues to be one of the most common property crimes in communities across the United States. Unfortunately, many thefts go unreported, and recovery rates remain low. Studies have found that only about 15–20% of stolen bicycles are ever recovered, making prevention and proactive enforcement especially important.

Bait bike programs have proven successful in numerous communities. One notable example is the Bend Police Department, which implemented a comprehensive bike theft reduction strategy that included bait bike operations. As a result, Bend experienced a more than 60% reduction in bicycle thefts while making numerous arrests of repeat offenders involved in bike theft.

The Newport Police Department also encourages bicycle owners to take the following steps to reduce their chances of becoming victims:

• Always lock your bicycle using a quality U-lock or heavy-duty chain.
• Lock the frame and at least one wheel to a fixed, immovable object.
• Record your bicycle's serial number and keep photographs of the bike.
• Register your bicycle through a bicycle registration program if available.
• Avoid leaving bicycles unattended overnight in unsecured locations.

While enforcement is an important part of reducing crime, community awareness and prevention remain equally important. Residents who witness suspicious activity involving bicycles or other property crimes are encouraged to contact the Newport Police Department immediately.

The Newport Police Department will continue using intelligence-led enforcement strategies, including bait bike operations, to reduce property crime and improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits Newport.

 The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Information Released By: Lt Haynes, 541-574-3348

# # # # #

Armed Robbery - 07/16/26

Details: On July 14^th, 2026, at approximately 1120 HOURS, Newport officers responded to the Days Inn, located at 544 SW Coast Hwy, on the report of a Armed Robbery. Officers responded to the area and contacted the victim who stated they had just been robbed by a known associate, Christopher Michael Lekoff, 20 of Independence, Oregon.

Further investigation revealed Lekoff and the victim had known each other for several years and had shared a room at the business the previous night together. Today, while the victim was in the shower, Lekoff packed all his possessions. When the victim exited the bathroom, Lekoff demanded the victim’s purse. The victim admitted to having a large sum of US Currency inside their purse, which Lekoff was aware of. When the victim refused to hand over their purse to Lekoff, he brandished a firearm and continued to demand the victim’s property. In fear, the victim complied.

Lekoff fled the room with the victim’s purse and money and got into his vehicle. He then left the area headed southbound on Hwy 101. Newport Police alerted the surrounding agencies to be on the lookout for Lekoff and his vehicle.

A short time later the vehicle and Lekoff were located in Florence, Oregon. Florence Police Department conducted a High Risk Vehicle Stop and detained Lekoff. An officer from the Newport Police Department responded to Florence while another Newport officer completed a search warrant for Lekoff’s vehicle to search for the firearm and the missing purse and money. Upon service of the warrant, a 9mm handgun, along with the victim’s purse and US Currency were located hidden inside Lekoff’s vehicle.

 Lekoff was transported from Florence to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on the following crimes:

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL LEKOFF, 20, INDEPENDENCE, OR

• Robbery 1
• Theft 1
• Menacing

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Sergeant Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.