Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood is on edge after a bold smash-and-grab burglary targeted a local liquor store early one morning this week. Surveillance footage from the shop on West 38th Street shows what appears to be six masked teens using a truck and chain to tear the front door off before ransacking the store and escaping with high-end liquor in under five minutes. The damage and theft left the owner with more than $12,000 in losses. Fearing retaliation, the store owner declined to speak on camera but shared the footage with FOX31.
Just blocks away, Ram, owner of Federal Cut Rate Liquors, says he experienced the same crime two months ago—burglars reversing a vehicle into his storefront to gain access. “Same thing,” Ram said. “They don’t have plates. They probably stole [the truck] from somebody else.” Ram and other local shopkeepers say they’ve already beefed up security with new cameras and alarm systems, but with the suspects still on the loose, they feel vulnerable. “It’s tough, especially for small business,” Ram added. “If it keeps happening like this, how are we going to survive?”
Many business owners now say increased overnight patrols or a stronger police presence could help deter future crimes. Denver police are still investigating and urge anyone with information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. As frustration grows, small businesses across the city are calling for more protection and support to fend off what feels like a growing crime trend.
