~ Colorado Springs, CO- The City of Colorado Springs hosted a public safety summit today, bringing together city and community leaders, along with state legislators, to address the recent increase in violent crimes committed by juveniles. The summit focused on finding solutions to combat this issue and its negative impact on residents and local businesses.

During the roundtable event, participants discussed various approaches to addressing the rise in juvenile crime in Colorado Springs. This included potential legislative changes at the state level, providing additional resources for community groups that work with at-risk youth, and promoting community-wide support to address societal factors such as economic opportunities.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade emphasized the importance of taking action during his opening remarks. "This summit is not just about identifying problems - it's about finding actionable paths forward," he stated. "Together, we can develop policies and initiatives that prioritize the safety of every resident and foster trust in our institutions."

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District Attorney Michael Allen also spoke at the summit, highlighting the impact of criminal reform attempts at the state level on holding juveniles accountable for their actions. "Innocent citizens in our community have been victimized by violent crimes," he stated. "It's going to take all of us working together - not just law enforcement - to effect positive change."

According to data from the Colorado Springs Police Department, there has been a 59% increase in juveniles suspected of violent crimes since 2021. This is compared to a 10% increase in overall violent crime during the same time period. Additionally, there has been a 49% increase since 2021 in the number of juvenile suspects found with firearms during these crimes.

While juvenile crime rates have decreased overall across Colorado since 2010, there has been an alarming increase in crimes against persons such as murder (210%), aggravated assault (17%), and robbery (12.3%).

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One specific type of crime that has seen a significant rise is smash-and-grabs. In 2024 alone, there have been 43 reported cases in Colorado Springs where a store was broken into and items were stolen. In 41 of these cases, a vehicle was used to smash into the building. The Colorado Springs Police Department believes that most of these incidents were committed by juveniles.

The non-partisan think tank Common Sense Institute released a report in February 2024 titled "The Cost of Juvenile Crime and its Economic Impact on Colorado." The report estimates that juvenile crime costs the state of Colorado over $3 billion annually. It also notes that for every 1% decrease in juvenile crime, the state adds 57 jobs and $6.5 million to its GDP.

The Public Safety Summit is just the first step in addressing this pressing issue. The City plans to continue engaging with local and state stakeholders over the next few months to find effective solutions and promote a shared understanding of the problem at hand. With collaboration and determination, it is hoped that this summit will lead to positive changes for the safety and well-being of all residents in Colorado Springs.

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