Commerce City police say two people are in custody after a months-long burglary spree that specifically targeted Latino-owned businesses around the Denver metro area. The break-ins started in November and stretched into February, leaving a trail of damaged storefronts, emptied cash drawers and shaken owners. Many in the community said the thieves left them feeling terrorized as they forced doors and hauled off safes, registers and anything else that held cash.
Police: Suspects Arrested After Months-Long Spree
According to a police press release reported by KDVR, detectives believe the two arrested suspects used stolen vehicles to drive to their targets, then either pried open or rammed doors to get inside. Investigators say nearly three dozen Latino-owned businesses were hit in a pattern of burglaries and allege the crew stole safes, broke into ATMs and tampered with coin-operated laundry machines to pull out cash. Authorities estimate the total losses statewide reached into the “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” according to the release.
Owners Describe Late-Night Break-Ins
Business owners told CBS Colorado that most of the burglaries hit in the middle of the night and followed a familiar script: a fast smash-and-grab and a quick getaway in a dark SUV. Lizeth Chavez, who owns La Malquerida Cantina, said, “It was a feeling of danger, I was scared,” and estimated she lost about $35,000 in a single break-in.
Multi-Agency Work and Evidence Recovered
Commerce City investigators said officers from Denver and Aurora assisted in the takedown, and that two firearms were recovered as part of the operation, according to KDVR. Detectives say the case is still active and that they are tracking additional leads to determine whether other suspects or victims are connected to the spree.
Charges, Next Steps and Legal Notes
Police emphasized that an arrest is an allegation and that those in custody remain presumed innocent while prosecutors review the case. The district attorney will decide whether to file formal charges. Commerce City police said any charging documents will be released through official channels as the case moves forward and urged victims to report their losses so investigators can build complete case files.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves
Officers recommend that small businesses bolt safes to the floor or use a drop safe, keep only limited cash on hand, upgrade exterior lighting and make sure security cameras capture clear views of doors, parking lots and vehicles. They also encourage owners to share footage with neighboring businesses and to report suspicious activity quickly, which can help investigators link cases and identify suspects before another break-in happens.
Where to Report Tips
Anyone with information or video related to the burglaries is asked to call Commerce City non-emergency dispatch at 303-288-1535 or reach the department through its website at the Commerce City Police Department. Officials say community tips are critical to the investigation and are urging witnesses to speak up.
