SPD joins auto theft task force

Investigators believe thefts at Korf may be tied to ring hitting other locations

Sterling Police Department is working with investigators from several agencies on a series of auto thefts across eastern Colorado.

Sterling Police chief Tyson Kerr said Monday Korf Automotive in Sterling was hit four times in May and June, with vehicles and vehicle keys taken in all four thefts.

The first occurred on May 25 when a pickup that had been stolen from Fort Morgan was rammed into the showroom at Korf. Two vehicles and a number of keys were taken. The thieves struck again the next night and stole a third vehicle with keys taken in the Tuesday break-in.

A vehicle was again rammed through the doors at Korf on June 14 and four vehicles were taken. Six days later Korf was burglarized a fourth time, this time through a window, and an eighth vehicle was taken.

Kerr said all but one of the vehicles, a maroon 2022 Dodge Ram 2500, have been recovered.

The thefts appear to be part of a larger ring of stolen vehicles. Similar crimes have been committed in Fort Morgan and several places along the Front Range, and several agencies are involved in a “very intensive investigation.”

“Our investigators are working closely with the Colorado Metro Auto Theft Taskforce, consisting of investigators from several law enforcement agencies in the Denver metro area,” Kerr said.

Police believe the thieves are armed when they commit their crimes, so Kerr warned that, if they are spotted, they should not be approached.

Anyone with information related to these cases is urged to contact Detective Nick Cantrell at 970-522-3512, Ext. 4223, or Detective Sergeant Michael Grant at 970-522-3512, Ext. 4225.