Clear Creek County residents warned of organized ATV thefts
olo. (KDVR) — The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office is on the hunt for a group of individuals responsible for stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of utility vehicles across the county.
The thieves, armed with high-powered guns, were first seen in late May stealing a motorcycle and a UTV. Those were recovered before the thieves started up again: Silver Plume first, then a business in Empire — both hit on Monday, June 7.
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"The whole time we have had two to five suspects on each one of them — the same MO, the same vehicles. Pictures of two Ford F-250s, early 2000 model, and a mid- to late 2000 model F-250, white Toyota Tundra and a black SUV," Sgt. Ron Thornton said.
Thornton said investigators have enough to connect the crimes, which are believed to be highly organized.
"You can tell they are either white or Hispanic males with one female. The business that was broken into yesterday, all the suspects that you saw on camera were armed with handguns, they were armed with extended magazines, so possibly 20-30 rounds in the handguns. And they had a lookout while the others stole helmets, motorcycles and a RZR out of that location," he said.
Residents warned: Cover, store or lock your ATVs
The sheriff's office is asking residents with these kinds of vehicles to cover them or store them in a garage to keep them hidden, or at least get a lock for your trailer.
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There have been similar instances across the metro of ATV/UTV thefts. Clear Creek County is asking its residents to keep an eye out — but to stay safe with these potentially dangerous individuals.
"We're going in with a heightened sense of awareness when we respond to stuff like this," Thornton said. "Do not confront these people. They are heavily armed, and I don't know if the weapons are going to be used against the homeowner or if they're waiting to be contracted by police. If you see somebody on the property, make sure you call 911 and let us deal with it," Thornton said.
