State law enforcement officials join forces for “Puffer Week”

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is joining forces with Coloradans Against Auto Theft (C.A.A.T.), Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (C.A.T.I.) and officials across the state in an effort to reduce auto theft and educate the community on the risks, dangers of puffing.

“Puffer Week” runs from Monday through Wednesday. “Puffing” is when a vehicle left running while unattended. It is illegal, except in vehicles with a remote starter system. Officials say it makes it easy for crooks to take off with vehicles.

Douglas County deputies will be searching for car owners who are puffing and will pass out educational pamphlets and/or citations when necessary to those in violation.

“In 2016 we had more than 180 stolen vehicles reported in unincorporated Douglas County. Those numbers are up 8% from the previous year.” Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock says, “By educating the community on the risks involved with puffing, it is my hope that those numbers will be reduced in 2017.”

You can find information on theft statistics for the State of Colorado HERE.