PORTLAND, Ore. — Law enforcement agencies across Multnomah County are joining forces to target burglaries, a crime officials say continues to strain local businesses.

District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, Portland Police Chief Bob Day and other law enforcement leaders announced the creation of a countywide Burglary Task Force on Wednesday, saying the coordinated effort is needed to confront increasingly sophisticated criminal operations.

Broken windows, stolen merchandise and impacts on both customers and staff have become routine for many businesses downtown. Eric Murfitt, Mercantile Portland's general manager, said the 50-year-old family-run store has endured repeated break-ins.

“We have bars on our windows now; we have bars on our door. We have a doorbell our customers ring to get into t

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