Caught on camera: Thieves use car to break into Commerce City dispensary, police say

May 11, 2024 at 11:00 PM
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Rampant Break-Ins Plague Commerce City Dispensaries

In a concerning wave of criminal activity, Commerce City's marijuana dispensaries have been targeted by burglars employing a brazen tactic: using vehicles to ram through storefronts. This alarming trend, which has seen multiple incidents in just over a week, has prompted a rigorous investigation as local authorities seek to stem the tide of these audacious thefts.

A Surge of Dispensary Heists Shakes Commerce City: A Call for Vigilance and Community Action

Recent Spate of Dispensary Burglaries

In the first several days of May, the local police force has been on high alert, responding to a series of break-ins at cannabis dispensaries. The frequency of these incidents has not only raised concerns about the security measures in place but also about the brazenness of the criminals involved. The affected businesses are reeling from the impact, which has left them grappling with the dual blow of property damage and loss of merchandise.

The community's sense of safety has been shaken as these establishments, which are integral to the local economy, have become the focal points of repeated criminal activity. The police department's social media outreach, including the release of surveillance footage, underscores the severity of the situation and the urgency with which they are addressing this disturbing pattern.

Method of Operation: The Use of Vehicles in Break-Ins

These are not your run-of-the-mill burglaries. The perpetrators have adopted a shockingly destructive method—using stolen cars to smash through the dispensaries' front entrances. This tactic not only allows them quick access to the premises but also inflicts significant structural damage. The surveillance videos circulating online show the alarming force with which these vehicles are propelled into the buildings, leaving shattered glass and debris in their wake.

The choice of a Kia with obscured license plates for the latest incident reveals a calculated approach to avoid identification and capture. The assailants' determination to gain entry is evident from the multiple attempts to breach the dispensaries' barriers, a testament to their reckless disregard for property and law.

Previous Attempts and Damages Incurred

It's not the first time these criminals have targeted the dispensaries. In prior attempts, they were met with frustration as reinforced doors withstood their efforts. However, persistence seems to be a hallmark of their modus operandi, as evidenced by their eventual success in breaking through the defenses of these businesses. The aftermath of such break-ins is not just the immediate loss of goods but also the extensive damage that can run into thousands of dollars, not to mention the long-term impact on the business owners' livelihoods.

The footage that has been made public shows the lengths to which these thieves will go, including the use of tools to pry open internal doors once inside. The brazen nature of these crimes, often occurring under the cover of darkness, adds to the challenge faced by law enforcement in bringing the culprits to justice.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal for Information

The Commerce City Police Department is not tackling this issue in isolation. There is a concerted effort across various Denver metro agencies to determine if these incidents are part of a larger pattern of criminal activity. The collaboration among these agencies signifies the gravity of the situation and the commitment to restoring order and security to the community.

As the search for the suspects intensifies, the police are casting a wide net, seeking assistance from the public. They urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the role that community members can play in aiding the investigation. The tip line remains open, a beacon for those who might hold the key to unraveling these crimes and apprehending those responsible.