New grant provides critical support for vehicle theft victims

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When it comes to car theft coverage, Denver tends to steal all the press, but neighboring cities have also seen their fair share of disappearing catalytic converters on the streets in recent months. A new grant seeks to do something about it.

Folks in Commerce City, Brighton, Fort Lupton and Lochbuie who have experienced vehicle theft are now eligible to apply for a Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority Grant to help manage the inconveniences and costs associated with losing their vehicles. The Brighton Office for Victim Assistance, which serves all four cities, has been awarded grant funding from the authority, according to a press release.

While vehicle theft has been a concern across Colorado for the past several years, dominating headlines, social media feeds and local election debates, it has been steadily on the decline for the past couple of years, according to the latest state data. There have been multiple statewide initiatives to not only curb the crime but also provide support to those affected by it.

Programs such as BOVA's offer crucial assistance, as many victims find themselves dealing with unexpected costs related to towing, temporary transportation and repairs.

While there is no official cap on the amount of money that can be allocated to each individual, funding is limited, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program concludes in June 2025.

The grant program aims to address costs that are often not covered by insurance, making it easier for victims to recover from the financial impact of theft. It offers reimbursement for the most common (but often pricey) expenses that are needed while someone is without a car: getting a rental car or paying for public transportation or ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft. There are also insurance deductibles and vehicle loan coverage for those who owe more than their cars are worth.

Plus, fingers crossed, should the vehicle be recovered, the grant can cover cleaning and sanitation fees, towing and storage fees, and minor vehicle repairs on the vehicle. It could also cover the cost of a steering wheel lock to head off a repeat attempt.

Beyond the immediate loss of a vehicle, other costs begin to stack up for victims while they attempt to compensate for the financial strain, creating a snowball effect or even a hole that is very difficult to climb out of. The aim of the program is to eliminate those expenses and help victims get back on their feet.

The grant was funded through the state Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, which is dedicated to reducing vehicle theft across Colorado. The authority has been active in supporting similar programs throughout the state, including an initiative run by the Colorado State Patrol in Nov. 2023 that allocated $5 million to help victims of motor vehicle theft. This grant program is built on that same framework, focusing resources on suburbs outside the Denver metro area.

The Brighton Office for Victim Assistance encourages anyone whose vehicle was stolen or recovered in any of the four participating cities to consider applying for the grant. To qualify, victims must have incurred one or more of the eligible expenses listed under the program guidelines. More information, including how to apply, is available on the BOVA website, or by contacting manager Kim Messina at kmessina@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2308.