A group of 13 individuals has been indicted on a total of 121 counts related to alleged motor vehicle thefts and burglaries that occurred at Denver International Airport, Adams County, and throughout the Denver area. The indictment includes varying charges such as COCCA (Colorado Organized Crime Control Act), Burglary, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, and Theft. The individuals charged were allegedly part of a group that the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force followed for more than a year. These alleged offenses occurred in multiple jurisdictions including Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, Jefferson, and Logan Counties. In total, 59 vehicles were stolen, and there were 31 attempted or completed burglaries.

The group of 13 people stole 59 vehicles between February 2022 and March 2023, many from lots at Denver International Airport.
The indictment from a 17th Judicial District grand jury stemmed from an investigation by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority’s Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force and other law enforcement agencies, including Colorado State Patrol.

The counts include racketeering, burglary, aggravated motor vehicle theft, and theft. Four of the defendants are still at large, according to the DA’s office, with one of them being at large in Mexico. Nine are in custody, with one of them in custody in Mexico.

The indictment was made possible from the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association, whose initial report started the investigation, and all of the law enforcement agencies who contributed their resources.

District Attorney Brian Mason stated that this indictment will send a message to all who target vulnerable travelers at Denver International Airport, adding that such behavior will not be tolerated, and justice will be pursued with all the law enforcement and prosecutorial power available to deter it.

In 2020 and 2021, Colorado had the highest auto theft rate in the country, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

In Denver, Colorado, the punishment for auto theft has been revised to be more severe, with the aim of reducing the high rate of auto thefts in the state. A new law that took effect on July 1, 2023, has made stealing a car a guaranteed felony, regardless of the value of the vehicle.

The severity of the punishment depends on the degree of the crime and the offender’s behavior. For repeat offenders, those who have been convicted of car theft at least twice before, prosecutors can now charge them with a Class 3 felony, which is punishable by between four and 12 years in prison.

People who steal a car and damage it, take it out of state, or use it to commit another crime will face between two to six years in prison. However, the law does allow for a lower penalty for joyriders, people who steal cars briefly and commit no other crimes with them.

The degrees of auto theft are classified as follows:

First-degree motor vehicle theft is a Class 3 felony.
Second-degree motor vehicle theft is a Class 4 felony.
Third-degree motor vehicle theft is a Class 5 felony, carrying 1 to 3 years in prison and/or $1,000 to $100,000.
In addition to these penalties, auto theft also carries a 1-year driver’s license revocation.

It’s important to note that these penalties are applicable to all auto thefts, regardless of the value of the stolen vehicle, as per the new law. This change was made in response to criticism that Colorado’s previous approach to car theft was ineffectual and unfair.

Keeping your car safe from vehicle theft involves a combination of common-sense practices and the use of anti-theft devices. Here are some tips and recommendations based on the search results:

Common-Sense Practices

Lock your doors:
Always lock your doors, even when you’re driving. This is the first step in deterring a thief.

Remove your keys from the vehicle:
Never leave your keys in or on your vehicle. This includes not hiding a second set of keys in your car.

Park in well-lit areas:
Choose your parking spot carefully and park in busy, well-lit areas where your car is easily seen. Thieves are less likely to attempt crimes in these areas.

Hide your valuables:
Don’t leave your belongings in clear view. One of the best areas to hide your valuables is in the trunk instead of the glove box or under a seat.

Be alert:
Be aware of your surroundings when you park your car. If you see someone loitering around the parking lot, it’s best to park somewhere else.

Use your garage:
If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the garage and vehicle doors to deter thieves.

Anti-Theft Devices

Steering wheel locks:
Devices like the Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock and Club 3000 Twin Hooks Steering Wheel Lock are highly rated and can deter thieves.

Vehicle immobilizer systems:
These systems prevent the engine from running unless the correct key (or other token) is present. This makes it harder for thieves to hot-wire your car.

Car alarms:
An alarm system’s flashing light or audible alarm can deter a car thief. Brands like Viper offer a range of car alarms and other security products.

GPS trackers:
Devices like the Vyncs GPS Tracker can help in tracing and recovering your vehicle if it gets stolen.

Window etching:
Etching your vehicle identification number onto the window can make your car less attractive to thieves, as it makes it harder for them to sell the car or its parts without being traced.

Remember, no method is foolproof, but using a combination of these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of your car being stolen. Always stay vigilant and take preventive measures to keep your car safe.