NE Portland’s Bloodhound Tattoo reports thousands stolen in overnight break-in, continues operating as police investigate

Break-in discovered midweek; shop reports equipment and original artwork taken

A women-owned tattoo shop in Northeast Portland reported losing thousands of dollars in equipment and artwork after an overnight break-in that was discovered Wednesday morning. The business, Bloodhound Tattoo, said the burglary appeared to involve forced entry, with damage observed at the door where the lock would normally be.

Shop owners said the missing items included tattoo supplies and tools needed for scheduled appointments, as well as pieces of art and decorative items kept at the studio. The reported losses, they said, went beyond immediate retail value because the stolen tools are tied to artists’ ability to work and to the shop’s day-to-day operations.

Artists say the theft disrupted appointments and removed essential sanitary supplies

One co-owner described preparing for a tattoo appointment on Wednesday and realizing core supplies had been taken, including needles and ink. The shop said the stolen items also included various art objects and materials stored inside the studio.

Oregon’s body art rules require that instruments that come in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials be disposed of or sterilized properly, and that single-use items such as needles not be reused. The loss of equipment can therefore have immediate operational consequences for studios, which must maintain compliant supplies and processes while serving clients.

Fundraiser exceeds goal as business remains open

The shop said it remained open for business following the break-in, while also working to replace missing equipment and repair damage. Owners launched an online fundraiser to help offset losses and said it surpassed an initial goal of $3,000.

The owners also said they planned to strengthen security measures to reduce the likelihood of a repeat incident.

Police: no arrests announced

Portland police said no arrests had been made in connection with the break-in. Investigations into commercial burglaries often depend on timely reporting, serial numbers and identifying information for stolen property, as well as any available video evidence from on-site or nearby cameras.

• Business: Bloodhound Tattoo (Northeast Portland)

• Reported losses: thousands of dollars in equipment and art

• Status: shop reported it continued operating after the burglary

• Investigation: police reported no arrests as of the latest update

"We created this safe space and we have community events," one owner said, describing the shop’s role beyond tattoo services.