Colorado gun store owners grapple with a wave of brazen robberies orchestrated by migrant gangs using minors, sparking concerns about public safety and business protection.
At a Glance
- Migrant gangs have robbed eight Colorado gun stores using children aged 12 to 17
- Thieves stole 13 guns and caused $65,000 in damage in a single incident
- Gun store owners are upgrading security measures and locking firearms in safes overnight
- Nearly 30 incidents this year involved minors using cars to smash into businesses
- Concerns rise over the exploitation of minors by criminal organizations
Rising Threat to Gun Stores
Colorado gun store owners are facing an unprecedented challenge as organized migrant gangs exploit minors to carry out daring robberies. In recent months, eight gun stores have fallen victim to these attacks, with thieves using stolen vehicles to ram into buildings and make off with firearms and ammunition.
The audacity of these crimes was highlighted in an August 8 incident where thieves stole 13 guns and caused $65,000 in damage. The Denver area has been particularly hard hit, with four gun stores experiencing similar smash-and-grab incidents between July and August.
Thieves Target High-Value Weapons
The criminals’ focus on high-powered weapons is alarming. At Spartan Defense and Training, thieves made off with AK-47s, Glock pistols, and ammunition. Steven Kinder, the general manager, described the brazen nature of the attack:
“They rammed through the wall, climbed over the hood of the car and ran in the store,” Steven Kinder told KDVR-TV.
The same group attempted another robbery at DCF Guns but was thwarted by a double entrance door system, demonstrating the effectiveness of enhanced security measures.
Exploitation of Minors
One of the most troubling aspects of these crimes is the use of minors by migrant gangs. Most of the perpetrators are under 13 or 14 years old, with gangs recruiting them due to the lighter legal consequences they face.
“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. One who was 18 years old was the one that basically ran from them; it looks to be gang-related at this point in time,” Spartan owner Ted Collins stated.
This strategy allows the gangs to minimize legal risks while maximizing their criminal activities. DCF associate Devin Perkins explained the gang’s rationale:
“They know that they can’t get the book thrown at them as hard as an adult can after 18 if it’s not that bad of a crime; they’re scot-free and able to basically re-up on their resume to do whatever they want for the gang,” Perkins noted.
Broader Impact on Community Safety
The issue extends beyond gun stores, affecting the broader community. Nearly 30 incidents this year have involved minors using cars to smash into various businesses. The financial strain on small businesses is significant, as emphasized by Timothy Arthur, owner of Let’s Make a Deal Pawn and Gun shop.
The situation has escalated to the point where some areas are experiencing more severe criminal activities. In Commerce City, a Denver suburb, three masked gunmen raided a home, stealing a motorcycle. Surveillance footage showed suspects armed with a handgun and an AR-style rifle, raising concerns about the potential for violence.
Community Response and Security Measures
In response to these threats, gun store owners are taking proactive steps to protect their businesses. Many have started locking guns in large safes overnight and upgrading their security systems. The implementation of double entrance doors and other physical barriers has proven effective in deterring some attempts.
An armed society is a polite society.
Colorado disarmed their law-abiding citizens and now armed foreign criminals are taking over their cities. https://t.co/aoWxWMhT7p
— Gun Owners of America (@GunOwners) August 29, 2024
Law enforcement and local officials are also grappling with the challenge. While some have raised alarms about the presence of organized migrant gangs, others caution against exaggerating the threat. The situation underscores the complex interplay between immigration policies, law enforcement strategies, and community safety.
Looking Ahead
As Colorado gun store owners continue to adapt to this evolving threat, the broader implications for public safety and immigration policy remain subjects of intense debate. The use of minors in these crimes presents a particular challenge, requiring a nuanced approach that addresses both the criminal elements and the exploitation of young individuals.
The community’s response to these challenges will likely shape future policies and strategies for dealing with organized crime and protecting vulnerable businesses. As the situation develops, cooperation between law enforcement, business owners, and policymakers will be crucial in finding effective solutions to this complex issue.
