Byram links crime surge to Measure 110
By Terry Murry on Friday, February 3rd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News Featured Stories
PENDLETON – Thefts, trespasses, and criminal mischief charges have increased significantly in Pendleton. Thefts alone are up 80 percent between 2021 and 2022. Police Chief Chuck Byram says he thinks the statistics will keep growing unless Oregon addresses the problems from legalizing personal possession of narcotics.
“Whenever we deal with someone who’s trespassing, whenever we deal with somebody that is stealing something, you’re going to find it at the confluence of mental health, addiction, and homelessness,” he said. “Nine-point-nine times out of 10, that’s the case.”
Byram said he feels for the business owners who suffer the result of what he believes is state-sanctioned addiction. He also promises that the police will answer all calls for help.
“We’re going to respond to every single one of those and we’re going to take the most appropriate action that we can,” he said.
