Department Highlights Investigations

During 2022, an organized retail crime group was linked to 50 high-dollar thefts from Ulta, with an aggregate theft total of $211,381. These thefts occurred at Ulta locations within the following counties: Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, Larimer, and Denver. The number of fragrances stolen from each store ranged between 3 to 213 and values ranged from $235 to the highest of $23,242.

The five suspects were eventually charged after a lengthy investigation by our Castle Rock Police detectives. The first suspect was charged in 44 of the theft incidents, the second charged in 22 thefts, the third in 16, the fourth in 4, and the fifth in 2 of the theft incidents.

The efforts of our Police Department’s unhoused outreach team and abandoned camp cleanup initiatives were commendable. These dedicated team members worked tirelessly to address the challenges posed by the unhoused in our community. With a compassionate and proactive approach, the team reached out to our unhoused individuals and offered assistance and support. Their commitment established relationships, connected them with essential services and provided resources to help them reach a path toward stability. Through these efforts, they fostered a sense of trust, understanding, and respect within this community. Simultaneously, the team focused on addressing the impact of temporary or abandoned encampments and those occupied unlawfully. The team diligently cleared over 40 abandoned campsites, not only improving the overall safety and cleanliness of our neighborhoods, but also mitigating potential health and environmental hazards.

CRPD continues to lead the charge in the fight against auto thefts in Colorado. According to the CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force, in 2022 Castle Rock saw a 15% decrease in auto thefts. This followed a 25% decrease of auto thefts in 2021. For example, in October, officers recovered 13 stolen vehicles and/or license plates, including the vehicle shown below, which was located within 24 hours of it being reported stolen out of another jurisdiction.

Additionally, the Castle Rock Police Department reported an overall decrease in total crimes in 2022.

In 2022, Castle Rock Police Department added two new positions and created our Strategic Response Center (SRC). In August, Officer A. Mendez (below left) began working in the Communication Center to provide “real time” support to officers in the field who were responding to calls for service. In December, Officer W. Schonher (below right) joined him, and they began providing support seven days per week.

During the year, these SRC officers uploaded over 1,100 videos as evidence to support cases handled by our patrol officers.