Arvada police: 60% of property crimes show no signs of forced entry

ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) — It took just a few seconds for someone to steal Katie Whetstone’s bike out of her yard in Arvada.

A surveillance video, posted by the Arvada Police Department, showed a suspect riding by the home on a bike. He then comes back on foot, opens the unlocked side gate and steals the teenager’s bike from the side of the house.

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The teen said she was shocked. It was daylight and she and her family were right inside eating dinner.

“I feel violated. They just took it right out of my backyard. To have the guts to do that is really wrong,” Whetstone said.

Since then, the family bought a lock for the gate and some cameras, and they are making sure to take precautions.

“Property crimes are remaining pretty consistent,” said Chase Amos with the Arvada Police Department.

He said that about 60% of property crimes are committed without forced entry.

“That tells us that people are letting their guards down, leaving doors open, cars unlocked. So, we just want to remind folks to lock everything up,” Amos said.

The police department said in a post on X that it has seen a rise in bike thefts, garage burglaries and vehicle trespassing and thefts this summer.

“In many instances, these crimes involved open gates or garages, unlocked doors and vehicles left with keys inside,” the police department said.

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Here are some things the Arvada Police Department is reminding residents to do to prevent theft:

• Close and lock doors, garages and gates

• Remove valuables and lock vehicles even if you are home

• Report suspicious activity and call 720-898-6900

Officers have not yet found Whetstone’s bike or the suspect. If you have video or information, give them a call.

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