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Residents and council press police on car thefts; chief outlines grants, prevention programs and increased patrols
Summary
A council member reported a brazen car theft in a Sheridan neighborhood; police described grant applications for a non-contact narcotics testing device, outreach programs and equipment requests and said extra patrol emphasis and community prevention steps will follow.
Concerns about vehicle theft surfaced prominently at Sheridans March 10 council meeting, where a council member described a recent, brazen theft near King Street Hill and asked what additional steps the city could take.
"My neighbor's car was stolen from in front of their house," the council member said, describing surveillance footage of a person testing car doors and returning the next night. The comment came amid a broader discussion that noted Colorado has experienced elevated auto-theft rates in recent years.
Sheridan Police Chief Martinez outlined ongoing prevention and equipment efforts. The department is seeking a JAG grant to purchase a non-contact narcotics testing device (estimated at about $35,000), and has requested ballistic protection and specialized training for officers. "We have found a grant that we believe may cover that — it's about a $35,000 purchase," the chief said, adding the department also asked for ballistic shields and advanced rifle training.
Martinez said the department participates in regional anti-auto-theft efforts and prevention programs, including an outreach curriculum he described by name as a school-based program ("Stolen Cars Will Steal Your Future") aimed at educating middle- and high-school students about the consequences of vehicle theft. He said the city gives away steering-wheel clubs for high-risk vehicle models and conducts lighting and community-awareness campaigns; he also agreed to increase patrol attention in areas where thefts were reported.
The council discussed potential additional tools, including drone use for targeted surveillance; the chief said Sheridan's drone operations are currently certified for line-of-sight operations and that expanded use would require personnel time and FAA authorization.
What comes next: The police chief offered to provide council with data on theft locations and recovery patterns and said the department would increase patrols in the affected area. Council members requested that staff include public-safety resource considerations in upcoming budget discussions if data show sustained increased need.
Why it matters: Vehicle thefts affect neighborhood safety and can lead to follow-on property crimes. The city will weigh prevention strategies, grant-funded equipment and staffing as part of short-term enforcement and longer-term budget planning.
