Rash of vehicle thefts, burglaries strike east Colorado Springs neighborhood

A Colorado Springs neighborhood near the intersection of Academy Boulevard and North Carefree Circle is changing — and not for the better, apparently.

According to statistics provided by the Colorado Springs Police Department, officers responded to reports of three stolen vehicles and three vehicle burglaries in the 3500 block of Van Teylingen Drive from June 18 to Sunday.

Within that block is the Ironwood at Palmer Park apartment complex, which one resident said is the source of some of the criminal activity.

“There’s been a few car break-ins and even a stolen vehicle,” the resident posted on a Facebook group’s page. “Police have been called numerous times and I have a description of the vehicle.”

The most active days for criminal activity in the area during that period was Sunday, when two auto thefts, an auto burglary, the report of a suspicious vehicle and the impound of a vehicle occurred; and June 27, when one vehicle was stolen and another burglarized.

During that same period, within a one-block radius of the complex, police responded to reports of four stolen vehicles and two cases of trespassing.

A former neighborhood resident said the area’s atmosphere has gradually changed during the past year, attracting different people and bringing more crime.

At least three apartment complexes are in the immediate area, and a current neighbor said rising rent costs are forcing out many tenants.

“They could be replaced by some people who aren’t above stealing to pay the rent,” the neighbor said. “I’m also seeing larger groups of people living in apartments and that could bring trouble, too.”

Ironwood’s manager said she has increased security patrols throughout the complex.

“I don’t think the neighborhood is changing for the worse,” she said. “I think it’s just one of those things that happens occasionally. Last summer, we had a rash of graffiti vandalism. It eventually stopped, and I think these crimes will, too.”

The area also has a vacant lot and a vacant office building that could promote undesirable activity.

Late Wednesday, police confirmed “a spike” in vehicle thefts and burglaries in the area, and said it will be the focus of more police patrols.

Police said they have no clues yet about the identity and number of suspects committing the crimes.