Car break-ins reported at Jefferson County churches

LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — Deputies in Littleton are investigating a pattern of vehicle break-ins that took place during church service hours.

On Wednesday, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office tweeted about the crime pattern.

Break-ins share similar characteristics

From May 1 to Aug. 29, deputies said a total of 16 motor vehicle thefts and break-ins took place in the Littleton area, and they all had similar characteristics.

While deputies can’t confirm if all the incidents are related, they all share the following:

Vehicle was stolen or trespassed during church service hours
- If trespassing took place, at least one window was broken.
Occurred on Sundays between 9 a.m. and noon
Vehicles were left unlocked with keys in the cup holder or were locked and breached via a window

Timeline of break-ins

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office created a map outlining the location and date of which the crime took place.

May 1 – Waterstone Community Church
May 8 – Red Rocks Church
July 16 – St. Philip Lutheran Church
July 16 – Abiding Hope Church – two break-ins
July 16 – West Bowles Community Church
July 16 – The World Church
July 18 – Red Rocks Church
July 20 – Red Rocks Baptist Church
July 20 – Abiding Hope Church
July 30 – Foothills Bible School
Aug. 20 – Heritage United Methodist Church
Aug. 20 – Living Savior Lutheran Church – two break-ins
Aug. 23 – Church of Jesus Christ LDS

Jeffco-church-breakin-map — Deputies in Jefferson County are investigating a pattern of car break-ins at local churches. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies believe there are two to four suspects involved in the crimes. However, their age, race and gender are not known.

In four of the incidents, deputies said a black Ford F-150 with an extended cab and a chrome band across the tailgate was spotted on security footage.