Illegal Immigrant Gangs Rob 30 Colorado Gun Stores

Hundreds of Guns are being stolen in robberies orchestrated by illegal immigrant gangs acorss Colorado. Using minors to avoid long term consequence these gangs are arming themselves and local authorities appear powerless to stop the gangs.

Migrant gangs in Colorado have orchestrated a series of gun store robberies, using children aged 12 to 17 to carry out the crimes. In at least eight incidents this year, the young thieves have stolen cars and rammed them into gun shops to gain entry and steal firearms. However, proactive measures by store owners have helped limit the damage and thefts.

In the most recent spree in Colorado Springs, the thieves caused significant damage. On August 8, they stole 13 guns and left nearly $65,000 in destruction after crashing a stolen car into a store. "They rammed through the wall, climbed over the hood of the car, and ran in," said Steven Kinder, general manager at Spartan Defense and Training.

Between July and August, four gun stores in the Denver area were similarly targeted, with police confirming that minors were behind many of the robberies. In Spartan’s case, the thieves made off with several AK-47s, Glock pistols, and ammunition.

The same group of boys attempted a second robbery that night at DCF Guns in Colorado Springs. However, they failed to breach the store’s security, thanks to a double-door entrance system that prevented further access.

These smash-and-grab tactics have become common in the area this year, but gun shop owners have countered by locking firearms in large safes overnight, reducing the number of stolen weapons. Collaboration between shop owners has helped limit losses.

A concerning aspect of these crimes is the age of the culprits. Law enforcement has apprehended several minors involved in the robberies, with some being as young as 13 or 14. One 18-year-old, believed to be gang-affiliated, was among those detained. Spartan owner Ted Collins noted, "The majority of them are under age 13 or 14 years old. It looks to be gang-related."

Migrant gangs reportedly recruit minors knowing that the legal system offers leniency for juvenile offenders. Even if caught, they typically spend only a few months in juvenile detention, and their records are often expunged when they turn 18. “They know they won’t face the same consequences as adults,” said DCF associate Devin Perkins.

The rise in smash-and-grab crimes coincides with the ongoing border crisis under the Biden administration, as nearby Denver’s sanctuary policies have made the area a magnet for migrant gangs. On August 24, another gun shop in Colorado Springs was hit by thieves using the same stolen car method to steal several firearms.

Colorado has seen nearly 30 incidents this year where cars, driven by minors, were used to smash into businesses and steal goods. Timothy Arthur, owner of Let’s Make a Deal Pawn and Gun Shop, which also fell victim to a recent robbery, said, “Every year it gets worse. They’re putting small businesses out of business.” Arthur now secures his firearms in safes overnight, preventing any loss during the break-in.