Aurora City Council members are looking to further crack down on shoplifters. In 2023, an ordinance was passed setting the limit for a 3-day mandatory jail sentence for retail theft of $300. Due to continued problems with theft, a proposed amendment would lower the threshold for a 3-day jail sentence to $100. It also adds provisions for increased mandatory jail time for repeat offenders.
This week, Mayor Mike Coffman plans to visit an Aurora business hit by crime several times. The manager said the recent vandalism and his efforts to prevent it has made it hard to get any sleep .
In another part of the city, Angela Ventura works as a senior barista at Wake and Take Coffee Bar. She says the café has been targeted by people experiencing homelessness nearby.
“We’ll give them a glass of water or even let them sit in here and stay warm because it’s cold outside,” said Ventura. “I try to be compassionate with them, but it’s hard when they take advantage of your kindness.”