Social media is driving street takeovers in Portland, say police

(JULY 24, 2024) Portland police are worried about the growing number of illegal and dangerous "street takeovers".  

A street takeover usually happens late at night. Cars race each other. They do "donuts" (spin in circles) and other dangerous things. 

Sometimes there are a lot of people watching the street takeover. The Oregonian newspaper reports that crowds can be anywhere from 50 people up to 1,000 people. 

The street takeovers block the street. That means no traffic can go through, including emergency vehicles. Sometimes cars hit people. Sometimes people have guns. 

Last year, the police reported 139 street takeovers in Portland. The number is growing. Why? Chadd Stensgaard has an idea. He works for Portland Police Bureau. He says social media is the main reason.

“Every one of these people that is out participating -- in some way, shape or form -- is doing it for social-media likes,” Stensgaard says. “It’s a business.”

According to The Oregonian, "The core issue behind the events’ continued popularity is that the street-takeover culture is driven at least in part by a desire to defy authority — and brag about it on social media. The more that participants boldly contravene the law — and avoid getting arrested — the more 'likes' they get, Stensgaard said."

People who are arrested for street racing may go to jail for up to 364 days. But street takeovers are difficult to stop. Police usually don't know about them until after they start. And the police bureau says it doesn't always have enough police officers to handle large events. Drivers often remove their license plates, and people watching the event often refuse to give any information about other participants.