Two e-bike shops in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood have experienced a series of robberies, resulting in significant losses for the businesses. Barry Slights, the manager of a Pedego e-bike shop, reported multiple break-ins over the summer, with stolen inventory and physical damage amounting to thousands of dollars. Another incident involved an employee being assaulted by a man wielding a chain. Kenny Fischer, the owner of FattE-Bikes, has resorted to sleeping at the company’s production facility in an effort to deter thieves. Both shop owners believe their businesses were targeted by the same individuals.
The Denver Police Department has confirmed that the incidents are under investigation, but no arrests have been made thus far. The thefts highlight the growing popularity of e-bikes and the challenges faced by businesses in preventing such crimes. Slights expressed frustration with the situation, acknowledging the strain on law enforcement resources and the difficulty in apprehending the culprits.
The Pedego shop, previously located next to a Starbucks on Lincoln Street, had already been robbed once before relocating to its current address on Bannock Street earlier this year. Since the move, the shop has been targeted twice within a few weeks. Slights noted that the shop’s prime location and the high demand for e-bikes make it an attractive target for thieves.
Fischer’s FattE-Bikes store, situated just two miles away in the Sun Valley neighborhood, also experienced a series of robberies in June. Despite implementing additional security measures, including cameras and reinforced doors, the thieves managed to strike quickly before the surveillance systems could capture their actions. Fischer himself confronted the robbers during one incident, successfully preventing further theft.
Both shop owners emphasized the financial impact of the robberies, with stolen inventory and property damage amounting to significant losses. Slights estimated a total of $12,000 in stolen bikes, batteries, and equipment, along with $35,000 in window replacement costs. Fischer estimated approximately $20,000 in stolen inventory and additional expenses for repairs and security measures.
The rise in e-bike thefts not only affects individual owners but also poses a threat to small businesses. Fischer highlighted the difficulty in preventing such crimes and expressed concern about the impact on the local community. He recounted one instance where he personally tracked down a stolen bike, recovering it from an individual he deemed suspicious.
The Denver Police Department continues to investigate the robberies, and both shop owners hope for a resolution to the ongoing incidents.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
