PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Wine barrels and a stainless steel tank were stolen from a Portland winery collective recently, despite the fact infrared cameras and barbed wire were installed.
The Southeast Wine Collective and Division Winemaking Company in Southeast Portland was previously been hit by thieves, which is why the security measures were installed.
Co-founder/co-owner Tom Monroe told KOIN 6 News the robberies began in the Spring when some stainless steel barrels were taken.
Then at the beginning of harvest, some old barrels and a lid to a stainless steel tank were taken. Monroe said around October 8, two men in a “more sophisticated” robbery, took stainless steel and French oak barrels.
Just a few days ago, American oak barrels were taken.
In all, 17 barrels – all empty – a stainless steel lid and a stainless steel tank were also stolen, each ranging in price from $700 to $2000.
Monroe said he had called the police, but they decided to take matters into their own hands. He and his co-workers tracked some of the barrels down on Craigslist and made a deal to get them back.
“It’s harvest time,” Monroe said. “We just needed the stuff back.”
Police are still investigating.
