Colorado’s gun stores face a growing threat from organized migrant gangs exploiting minors to conduct daring robberies.
Colorado gun stores are currently facing a significant threat from organized migrant gangs that have orchestrated a series of robberies using low-risk juvenile offenders. These crimes are particularly distressing because they involve children between the ages of 12 to 17, who are being pushed into committing serious offenses with the intention of facing lighter legal penalties.
In a string of incidents across Denver, including one on August 8 where thieves stole 13 firearms and caused $65,000 in damages, these gangs have used stolen vehicles to smash into store buildings and access valuable firearms. Among the stolen items were AK-47s and Glock pistols, highlighting the grave threat posed by these criminal activities.
In response to these escalating tactics, gun store owners are stepping up their security measures. This includes locking up firearms in large safes overnight and investing in advanced surveillance technology to deter and document any criminal activities. Store owners have also fortified their premises to make forced entries more difficult.
“They rammed through the wall, climbed over the hood of the car, and ran in the store,” said Steven Kinder, the general manager at Spartan Defense and Training.
Moreover, the local gun store community is coming together to advocate for policy changes that could provide stronger legal protections and more comprehensive strategies to combat the rising tide of these incidents. Timothy Arthur, owner of Let’s Make a Deal Pawn and Gun shop, emphasized the financial strain on small businesses from such damages.
Law enforcement faces unique challenges in dealing with these crimes because of the involvement of minors. The judicial system tends to be more lenient with offenders under 18, which gangs exploit to their advantage. This complicates the legal ramifications and requires nuanced strategies to address the root of the issue effectively.
“From what the police have told us so far, they’ve apprehended several of the individuals, and the majority of them are under age 13 or 14 years old,” stated Spartan owner Ted Collins. The gangs not only target gun stores but also pose broader threats to the community. On multiple occasions, heavily armed groups have stormed homes and apartment complexes, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of existing policies.
See video. Reportedly illegals have formed gangs & have robbed 10 gun shops in the past month in Denver Colorado… https://t.co/oiJbfhC5Mk
— Frederick of Follywood 🇺🇸 (@TimmSchroeder2) August 28, 2024
Local and state officials are under increasing pressure to develop effective counter-strategies. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman stated that buildings used as taxpayer-funded migrant housing have given shelter to some of these gang members. Meanwhile, Governor Jared Polis has offered state assistance to Aurora police if requested, despite some officials dismissing the severity of the gang involvement as exaggerated.
“Homeland Security Investigations regional spokeswoman Alethea Smock told The Denver Post this month that the gang was an emerging threat in Denver.”
As more incidents come to light, it becomes increasingly clear that a coordinated effort between law enforcement, policymakers, and the business community is essential to protect both property and public safety.
The ongoing attacks by organized migrant gangs on Colorado’s gun stores underscore a significant security and legal challenge. With minors being exploited to carry out these crimes, law enforcement faces hurdles in implementing lasting solutions. Through community solidarity and advanced security measures, gun store owners are taking steps to protect their businesses. Nevertheless, comprehensive government action and legal reforms are imperative to address this complex and evolving issue effectively.
“We always take property crime seriously… but when you bring an AR-style rifle to a home burglary/motor vehicle theft, we can’t help but wonder how much worse this could have been and how dangerous you really are,” police wrote in an apparently since-deleted post.
