As more people make their way to Colorado, there’s an increase in the number of car thefts throughout the state.
Which is why a coalition in the state is educating people on how to prevent the crime- in hopes of preventing even more crimes throughout the state.
Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) is a coalition that wants to educate the public in locking their doors, and taking steps to stop their cars from getting broken into or stolen.
It’s a challenge that’s seen all across the state, with places like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo all seeing a large number of car thefts.
In Colorado Springs alone, the number of car thefts in 2018 have already exceeded 1,000- in 2017 the total number of car thefts sat at 788.
A large reason for this- the population increase.
Law enforcement also says that in many cases, thieves take advantage of neglectful behavior such as leaving valuables in the car, leaving keys inside, and leaving the car running.
The statewide coalition, CAAT, aims to stop these crimes through a variety of educational efforts.
In an ad campaign by the group, a statistic showing 97% of car thefts lead to other crimes is shown- in many cases the coalition says these stolen vehicles are used as getaway cars.
