Another business owner says crime has risen since a September encampment began. Author: Devon Haskins Updated: 7:35 PM PST December 9, 2020
PORTLAND, Ore. The once vibrant and busy Historic Mississippi Business District is not what it usually is. The pandemic is largely to blame for a huge drop in business. I had to cut hours, I had to cut salaries to be able to survive, said Kay Newell, owner of Sunlan Lighting along Mississippi Avenue.
Newell said while business has been down, crime has gone up. Mainly since an encampment outside the Red House started in September, he said. There s an enormous increase in car break-ins, home break-ins, garage break-ins, Newell said. There s been reported, a lot more break-ins to our businesses. It has been a big increase in criminal activity over previous period of times.