Motor Vehicle Theft
According to data provided by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority's Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force motor vehicle thefts have decreased more than 32% from January 1-August 14, 2023 to January 1-August 14, 2024.
What is the District Attorney's Office Doing to Combat
Auto Theft?
The District Attorney's Office convened partners from across Adams and Broomfield Counties to combat the rise in motor vehicle thefts. The District Attorney's Office also assigned members of our staff to the Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force as liaisons.
DA Staff flags auto theft cases when law enforcement submits them to our office for review. Our Deputy DAs determine the best course of action in handling these cases to deter this type of activity in the future. The District Attorney's Office fights for stiffer sentences in Court. The DA's Office also played a pivotal role in a key piece of legislation that passed in 2023 that made all forms of motor vehicle theft a felony. Previously, some motor vehicle thefts were categorized as a misdemeanor based on the value of the stolen vehicle.
Also in 2023, 13 Adams County defendants were indicted by an Adams County Grand Jury for alleged motor vehicle thefts at Denver International Airport and the surrounding Denver metro area.
In some cases, those stolen vehicles were utilized in alleged business burglaries throughout the Denver area, primarily in Adams County. Since this indictment announcement, Denver International Airport has seen a significant reduction in motor vehicle thefts thanks to new legislation and enhanced law enforcement investigative efforts and District Attorney's Office prosecutorial efforts.
CBS Colorado Story on DIA Indictments:
13 indicted for allegedly stealing vehicles from Denver International Airport, Denver metro area
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Auto Theft?
Auto theft affects the entire community. It is often just the first in a series of crimes, as 73% of adult car thieves are charged with additional offenses such as drug crimes, armed robbery, home invasion, and identity theft.
Never leave your car running unattended.
Always keep your car doors locked, when driving or parked.
Always park in well-lit areas.
Don’t store firearms in your car.
Avoid leaving documents with your address in glove box. (Only keep registration slip portion without your address in your car.)
Don’t keep a spare set of keys in the car.
Keep all valuables in the trunk or hidden from view.
If you are approached, do not roll down the windows or open a door.
When buying a used vehicle, always check the VIN to ensure it hasn’t been stolen. Visit NICB for more information.
Manage your risk- buy comprehensive insurance that covers stolen vehicles. Also consider getting gap insurance.
Never Leave Your Car Running Unattended
“Owner Apathy” or “Driver Apathy” makes a vehicle more susceptible or vulnerable to theft. These include leaving a vehicle running, leaving a vehicle unlocked and/or leaving an additional key in the vehicle. The exhaust vapors that come out of a running vehicle’s tailpipe in cold weather signals an easy steal to a thief, a puff of exhaust.
In Colorado, it’s illegal to leave your car running unattended unless you have a remote starter system in your vehicle and your keyless fob is far enough away that the car cannot be moved. Remember to keep the keyless fob in a safe place so the wrong hands can’t get to it.
Purchase a remote start from the original manufacturer or a proven after-market source, but make sure the doors are locked and the start fob is in a safe place.
(Information Provided by LockdownYourCar.Org and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority)