Investigators claim that a group of thirteen individuals stands accused of running an auto theft ring that has allegedly been causing havoc in the Denver metro area for several months. The ring’s main focus has frequently been on Denver International Airport, according to reports.
According to 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason, individuals should have the assurance that they can leave their car at the airport, embark on a trip, and upon their return, find their car safely parked without any worries.
His office will prosecute the case after a grand jury indicted the group after a year-long investigation involving multiple jurisdictions as well as the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority and Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force.
Mason emphasized the need to deliver a message to car thieves in Colorado, making it clear that there will be repercussions for their actions.
The indictment claims that the ring actively targeted Ford trucks, which incidentally rank as the most frequently stolen vehicles from DIA parking lots this year. It further alleges that these stolen trucks were utilized for smash and grab operations, with a specific focus on locating ATMs.
In November of last year, CBS Colorado initiated an investigation into a series of ATM thefts. During their inquiry, they interviewed a business owner in Aurora who had fallen victim to this crime.
The police informed us that they suspected it to be connected to a bigger organization.
Last November, the owner informed us that initially they believed they were being targeted without any clear motive.
Investigators believe that this group employed advanced techniques such as reprogramming key fobs or dismantling GPS devices, in contrast to the common occurrence of auto thefts in Colorado being associated with unlocked cars or break-ins.
According to the indictment, the investigation has identified DNA evidence in multiple vehicles that were recovered. Cale Gould from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority emphasizes the significance of this finding in the case.
Gould stated that the forensics aspect of this case is highly compelling, emphasizing its purpose in connecting crimes like this.
Currently, they are connected to a total of 59 stolen vehicles, which has been referred to by Gould as the biggest auto theft network in Colorado at the moment.
He stated that organizations of this kind typically have subsidiaries and smaller members, among other things. This essentially makes up the majority of it.
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