Lock It Up, Castle Rock!

Castle Rock Police Department calls on community to help prevent crimes of opportunity

Would you rather spend two minutes removing valuables from your vehicle before you go to bed or spend hours canceling credit cards after a thief broke into your car and stole your wallet?

In 2022, more than 200 cars were broken into in Castle Rock. Of those, more than half were left unlocked or with items in an open truck bed. The Town saw a 48% decrease in thefts from motor vehicles from 2021 to 2022, but the Castle Rock Police Department needs the community’s assistance to bring these crimes of opportunity to zero.

“We are proud Castle Rock continues to rank among Colorado’s safest cities, but we can’t let our guard down,” said Police Chief Jack Cauley. “The simple acts of locking your car and removing all valuables every time you park could help us make a drastic difference.”

What do criminals target?

The Town saw a 48% decrease in thefts from motor vehicles from 2021 to 2022, but the Castle Rock Police Department needs the community’s assistance to bring these crimes of opportunity to zero.

When it comes to the items thieves target most during car breakins, the Castle Rock Police Department has seen a little bit of everything. Items like wallets, credit cards and cash are obvious, as are bags like purses and backpacks. But, what about things like mail or your car registration and insurance information? Yes,

CRPD has seen those items taken, too. And, let’s not forget tools from work trucks and garage door openers.

“Anytime someone has something taken from them, it can feel very violating,” said Cauley. “It can also largely disrupt your life and become a huge inconvenience. That’s one of the reasons why we’re trying to get this message across.”

Don't get complacent

Last year, residential areas, including single-family homes and apartment communities, were the top locations where vehicle break-ins occurred in Castle Rock.

“Many people tend to get comfortable when they’re at home,” said Cauley. “Maybe that means leaving their garage door open during the day or keeping their car doors unlocked when they park vehicles outside. Unfortunately, criminals are banking on this human behavior and are looking to capitalize on our complacency.”

Because of this, Castle Rock Police Department encourages residents to complete the “9 p.m. Routine” before going to bed each night. The routine includes removing valuables from vehicles, locking cars and taking the keys with you (even if the car is parked inside a garage), closing the garage door, turning on outside lights and locking all doors.

Other steps

CRPD encourages residents to plan ahead and minimize the amount of valuables left in a vehicle. For example, before leaving for one of Castle Rock’s beautiful trails, pack only the necessary items like a driver’s license, phone and water. Unnecessary items of value should be left at home. If you plan on needing these items later, police say to place them in a covered trunk before leaving for the trail. This way, you’re not trying to “hide” items at your location.

If you notice your vehicle was broken into but nothing was taken, the Police Department requests you still make a report. The 24/7 nonemergency number is 303-663-6100.

Additionally, CRPD has launched a new public safety campaign reminding residents of the importance of locking up their vehicles and removing all valuables.

“Whether you’re gone for five minutes or five hours, a thief doesn’t need much time to ruin your day,” said Cauley. “We’re hoping that, with the community’s help, we can eliminate these crimes of opportunity.”

Castle Rock Police Department launched a new public safety campaign in 2023 with the character “Robin Steal” to help educate the community about thefts from motor vehicles.

Learn more at CRgov.com/LockItUp