Pueblo Police point to law changes in helping curb auto thefts in recent weeks

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - New data obtained by 13 Investigates shows car theft rates statewide are down. Law enforcement in Pueblo believes new law changes that strengthened the punishments for stealing vehicles contributed to the drastic drop.

In 2022, Colorado was considered the number one state when it came to auto theft rates. In response, state lawmakers made stealing a vehicle of any value a felony. Pueblo law enforcement said since these changes, car thefts have been virtually non-existent in the past two months.

"While respectful of the view of law enforcement, that somehow this has caused all of the all of the problems with vehicle theft. That's really not a realistic answer. Has it contributed? I suspect so," said Colorado Springs Republican Senator Bob Gardner.

Gardner passed a bill in 2022 that made stealing a vehicle valued at less than $2,000 a felony when before it was a misdemeanor.

Pueblo Police told 13 Investigates they'd regularly see their auto theft rates near 14% of all crimes committed annually. However, since July, that number dropped down to around 1% of all crimes during that two-month period.

The department acknowledges that this is just a snapshot of the data - but argues the new law could be deterring prolific auto thieves from targeting lower-income individuals.

Sgt. Frank Ortega with the Pueblo Police Department explained how stealing a vehicle goes beyond just its value. When someone's car is stolen, Ortega said that could cut someone off from being able to get to work, take their kids to school, and other essential activities.

Statewide numbers reflect this decrease as well. Data obtained by 13 Investigates show auto theft is down 22% in the last two months - and 12% in southern Colorado.

While some question if the law really makes a difference - wondering if criminals know the changes. But Pueblo Police argue that thieves are keenly aware of what they'll face for stealing a car.

"A misdemeanor, you don't go to jail," explained Ortega. "If you get arrested for a felony, you go to jail."

Do you have a tip you want 13 investigates to look into? Email us at 13investigates@krdo.com