Crime and Public Safety | New prosecutor, investigator to cover vehicle thefts in Northern Colorado

A new prosecutor and investigator are being hired to help combat auto theft across 13 counties including Larimer and Weld.

The new team will be based out of the 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office in Larimer County and will work with prosecution and law enforcement agencies throughout Northern Colorado. Officials said the hiring process is underway.

The Colorado District Attorney's Council will cover the costs of the positions to help address auto theft crimes in the 8th, 13th, 14th and 19th Judicial Districts, covering Larimer, Jackson, Weld, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Washington, Sedgwick, Yuma, Kit Carson, Grand, Moffat and Routt counties, according to a news release.

Motor vehicle theft and thefts from vehicles are a widespread issue with numbers reaching over 40,000 statewide in 2022 and nearly 33,000 in 2023, according to Colorado Crime Statistics.

"Motor vehicle theft can be especially detrimental to victims' lives: a stolen vehicle can prevent someone from getting to work, picking their kids up at school, or getting groceries to feed their family," District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin said in a release.. "This collaborative effort across Northern Colorado DA offices is a first of its kind program and we are excited about the positive impact on our community."

District Attorney Travis Sides, who serves the 13th Judicial District in Fort Morgan added, "Motor Vehicle Thefts and their attendant crimes impact people from all walks of life and from all corners of Colorado ... There is much work to be done, and this is a positive step in the right direction."