Police Send Out Warning About Rash Of Car Thefts
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Boulder are looking for suspects involved in stealing dozens of cars within the city.
This week they released surveillance video and pictures of a group driving a minivan. Investigators think they are responsible for 26 stolen cars since December.
Most of the vehicles stolen were left running or unlocked.
"We are pretty positive that it is an organized crime ring that is hitting this area and then taking the vehicles back to the Denver metro area," said Boulder police spokesperson Shannon Cordingly.
Resident Aaron Ingalls told CBS4 he is one of the victims.
"I had a spare key hidden and somebody went through it, found my key and took my van," he said.
Cordingly said the thieves strike randomly across Boulder, often in the middle of the night.
Investigators said they believe the light-colored van they released surveillance video of has been used by the suspects in most of the crimes.
Police said they are asking the public to keep an eye out for the van while also taking the necessary steps to protect property.
"Keep your vehicle locked, keep valuables out of sight," Cordingly said. "I understand the need to have a spare key, but don't place the spare key in or around your vehicle. Criminals are looking for an easy target."
Ingalls is one of just a few who have had their vehicle recovered. Despite it being returned in rough shape, he says he's grateful.
"I was expecting it to be a total loss, but luckily it came back three days later," he said.
Boulder police are working with other metro area police departments to determine if there are similarities in the stolen vehicle crimes.
