ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo, (KDVR) — Deputies with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Workplace say they’ve seen fewer auto thefts and extra arrests after forming a particular staff of SWAT members who crack down on the high-risk instances.
Deputies say because the staff shaped in 2021 the members have performed a important position in serving to to scale back crime numbers.
The Particular Response Group, higher often called SRT, is comprised of eight SWAT staff members.
The staff has been credited for cracking down on automobile thefts, however that is simply considered one of their many duties.
“We assist with warrant companies for fugitive items like Secure Avenue Process Power, Denver Fugitive Aurora Fugitive, FBI. We assist with narcotics search warrants, we assist with any type of excessive danger name,” mentioned Sgt. Nick Rodriguez.
Sgt Rodriguez and Sgt. Joe Hallett helps lead the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Workplace SRT.
“Initially, we began again in 2021 attributable to excessive calls,” mentioned Rodriguez. “The issue was we have been pulled in several instructions that we left patrol and different items quick staffed. So, they determined to create a full time staff to type of make it extra environment friendly.”
A few of these calls embrace motorized vehicle thefts.
“There’s been a 36 p.c drop price in auto thefts there’s been a rise in arrests,” mentioned Rodriguez.
Between 2023 and 2024, the variety of auto thefts reported to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Workplace dropped by almost 270. It went from 949 to 687.
Whereas auto automobile theft arrests elevated from 40 to 84.
“The expertise assists us with sure license plate readers on the market, each personal and legislation enforcement-wise. Nice sources give us precise real-time intel on the place the autos are. Different GPS programs in automobiles the place victims can notify us and provides us correct updates,” mentioned Hallett.
Physique digital camera footage reveals Rodriguez tackling a suspected automobile thief and utilizing a stun gun on them after a brief foot chase.
“Daily is totally different. You by no means know what you are going to come throughout,” he mentioned.
Hallett says deterring auto theft is vital as a result of it is a gateway to different legal actions.
“Robberies, burglaries, different motorized vehicle thefts, trespass, different stolen automobiles, unlawful narcotics, or fugitives which are on the run,” mentioned Hallett. “It is a gateway to different legal exercise.”
They are saying the operations are fluid and require intensive coaching, sources and understanding of the protection side to the general public.
Hallett mentioned, “These are very harmful individuals as nicely. They’ll do no matter it takes to get away. We search for the most secure alternative for most of the people and for us to securely apprehend suspects.”
The SRT is in search of the general public to report any suspicious exercise. Oftentimes, they take care of the identical suspects and say it actually helps while you’re open and might present info.
