Police: Theft spiking in Wheat Ridge as other crimes on the decline [Video]

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — While other crimes across the city are on the decline, the Wheat Ridge Police Department said it is seeing a spike in theft.

“It could be anything from, you know, getting pick-pocketed to shoplifting,” said Alex Rose, public information officer for Wheat Ridge PD.

Last year, Wheat Ridge PD said theft overall was at a five-year high. This year, theft is up 5% citywide.

Wheat Ridge PD releases bodycam video showing alleged theft at grocery store

Rose said 53% of thefts reported to the department came from businesses.

“Whether it’s a bigger supermarket or it’s a small mom-and-pop shop, that’s something that we’re trying to target this year and trying to do a better job of curtailing by being proactive,” explained Rose.

Rose said part of being proactive includes bigger operations with businesses’ crime prevention teams. As a part of an operation with five stores, six …