Thieves Ram Darth Vaper with Stolen Hyundai

In a bold early morning heist, Darth Vaper Smoke Shop in Commerce City fell victim to a smash-and-grab burglary, marking a disturbing trend across the Denver metro area. Four assailants utilized a bright blue Hyundai, reported stolen, to breach the store’s entrance, escaping with valuable merchandise but no cash. This incident, occurring around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, adds to a growing list of similar crimes targeting vape shops, raising concerns among local business owners about their security and the broader implications for their operations.

Increasing Trend of Vape Shop Burglaries

Commerce City’s Darth Vaper is not alone in facing such brazen thefts. Recent reports indicate at least five vape shops in the Denver metro area have been burglarized in a similar fashion over the past month. Alaa Sawaged, owner of Darth Vaper and another victimized shop in Wheat Ridge, highlighted the recurring use of a blue vehicle in these incidents. With losses ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 in merchandise per break-in, Sawaged and his counterparts are calling for stricter penalties to deter future crimes, emphasizing the significant financial toll on small businesses.

Community and Police Response

The Commerce City Police Department is actively seeking the stolen blue Hyundai, bearing Colorado license plate DTG I93, in connection with the Darth Vaper burglary. The community, meanwhile, remains on edge as authorities investigate potential connections between the recent string of vape shop break-ins. Surveillance footage plays a crucial role in these investigations, offering leads on the suspects’ identities and methods. Business owners, in response, are considering enhancing security measures to protect their livelihoods against an escalating threat.

Call for Action

In light of these events, Alaa Sawaged and other affected shop owners advocate for more severe consequences for perpetrators, hoping to curb the tide of similar crimes. The financial repercussions extend beyond the immediate loss of merchandise, affecting insurance premiums and fostering a climate of fear and uncertainty among small business operators. Community support and heightened vigilance are deemed essential as local law enforcement works to bring those responsible to justice and restore a sense of security to the affected neighborhoods.

As the Commerce City police continue their search for the suspects and the stolen Hyundai, the recent vape shop burglaries serve as a stark reminder of the challenges small businesses face in safeguarding their establishments. The collective hope is for swift action and enduring solutions to deter such crimes, ensuring the prosperity and safety of the local business community.