In recent years, property crime and theft rates have become a growing concern in Colorado. As of 2024, the state’s property crime rate is about 30% higher than the national average, with incidents of theft being a significant factor. Cities like Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs consistently see higher numbers of property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. In contrast, suburban areas such as Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Fort Collins report lower crime rates thanks to community safety efforts and better security measures.

Higher-Risk Areas in Colorado

Urban centers like Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs experience a higher frequency of property crimes:

• Denver: Reports around 4,019 property crimes per 100,000 people. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Five Points face frequent car thefts and burglaries, with over 6,000 cars stolen in 2023 alone.
• Aurora: Averages about 3,200 property crimes per 100,000 people, particularly in Northwest and Central Aurora. These areas are often impacted by economic pressures, contributing to higher crime rates.
• Colorado Springs: Experiences roughly 3,000 property crimes per 100,000 people, with the Southeast side of the city seeing more frequent incidents of larceny and vehicle theft. In 2023, the city saw over 3,400 motor vehicle thefts.

Lower-Risk Suburban Communities

Suburban areas, including Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Fort Collins, enjoy lower property crime rates:

• Castle Rock: Reports about 1,050 property crimes per 100,000 people, which is among the lowest in the state. This is largely due to strong neighborhood safety programs and proactive community efforts.
• Highlands Ranch: Averages around 1,300 incidents per 100,000 people, benefiting from well-maintained neighborhoods and active community involvement.
• Fort Collins: Sees about 1,400 property crimes per 100,000 people. Lower urban density and active neighborhood watch programs contribute to these relatively low numbers.

The Impact of Property Crime

In 2023, Colorado experienced nearly 20,000 motor vehicle thefts, with catalytic converter thefts on the rise. Larceny remains the most common property crime, accounting for around 70% of incidents. This category includes thefts from motor vehicles, shoplifting, and stealing unattended property such as bicycles and outdoor equipment. Package theft has also become a growing issue, with approximately 1 in 3 Denver residents reporting a stolen package in the past year.

Why Insurance Matters

Having insurance isn’t just an extra—it’s essential for homeowners and renters in Colorado. For those in higher-risk cities like Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs, a solid insurance policy can be a financial lifesaver. It can help cover losses from burglaries, vandalism, or car theft. Without proper coverage, the cost of replacing stolen items or repairing damage can quickly add up.

Even in lower-risk areas, insurance is still vital. While the odds of theft might be lower, accidents, natural disasters, or other unexpected events can strike at any time. That’s why having a comprehensive policy in place is key—it keeps you protected and offers peace of mind, no matter what happens.

Simple Steps to Protect Your Property

While having insurance is crucial, taking a few extra steps to secure your home and vehicle can go a long way in preventing crime. Here are some easy measures you can take:

• Install Security Systems: Adding motion detectors, alarms, and cameras around your home is a great way to deter potential thieves. For your car, consider anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.
• Reinforce Your Home: Strengthen doors, windows, and locks to make it tougher for someone to break in. For your vehicle, park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Brighten Things Up: Good outdoor lighting, especially motion-sensor lights, can be a big deterrent to burglars.
• Secure Your Valuables: Keep expensive items out of sight, both inside your home and car. Consider using a safe or locked storage for valuable belongings.
• Join Community Programs: Neighborhood watch programs are a great way to stay informed and keep your community safe through collective vigilance.

How Insurance and Security Measures Work Together

Despite all your precautions, sometimes bad things happen. That’s where insurance steps in—it helps cover the costs when the unexpected occurs. For residents in higher-risk areas like Denver or Aurora, having robust coverage is especially important.

Interestingly, taking steps to secure your property can also lead to savings on your insurance premiums. Insurers often reward policyholders who invest in security measures. For example:

• Homeowners: who install alarms, reinforce their doors, or add fire detection systems can typically qualify for lower premiums because the reduced risk benefits both you and the insurer.
• Auto owners: can save on their policies by using anti-theft devices or immobilizers in their cars. These measures reduce the likelihood of theft, and insurance companies reflect that in lower rates.

By partnering with a local insurance broker like Castle Rock Insurance, you can easily find these discounts. With their deep understanding of Colorado’s market and partnerships with top carriers like Safeco, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, and Nationwide, Castle Rock Insurance can guide you toward the best coverage and savings.

Keeping Your Property and Peace of Mind Secure

Knowing the property crime trends in Colorado helps you make informed decisions about protecting your home and vehicle. Having good insurance means you’re financially prepared for whatever comes your way. When you work with a trusted local broker like Castle Rock Insurance, you can get a policy tailored to your specific needs and your neighborhood.

Whether you’re living in a busy city or a quiet suburb, taking extra security measures and having the right insurance coverage is the best way to keep your property and peace of mind secure.