Thieves Target Multiple Hispanic Businesses in Denver Metro Area

Burglars hit at least six businesses, stealing cash and alcohol, leaving owners feeling vulnerable

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:31am

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Police in the Denver metro area are searching for a group of thieves who have been targeting Hispanic-owned businesses, breaking in and stealing cash, alcohol, and other valuables. At least six businesses have been hit in recent weeks, with the burglars causing significant damage and financial losses for the owners.

Why it matters

These targeted burglaries against Hispanic-owned businesses raise concerns about bias-motivated crimes and the vulnerability of small business owners, especially those from minority communities, to property crimes. The incidents have left the affected business owners feeling scared, powerless, and unsure of their safety.

The details

Surveillance footage shows the burglars breaking into the businesses, damaging property, and stealing cash from registers as well as alcohol from cold storage. The thieves have been described as traveling in a dark-colored Jeep and possibly carrying firearms. Business owners like Lizeth Chavez of La Malquerida Cantina and Karina Piedra Aluvarez of Guadiana Express have reported significant financial losses, ranging from $3,000 to $35,000 in damages and stolen goods.

  • The burglaries have occurred over the past couple of weeks, primarily in the middle of the night.
  • On January 31, the burglars targeted La Malquerida Cantina in Denver.

The players

Lizeth Chavez

The owner of La Malquerida Cantina in Denver, who reported a loss of roughly $35,000 from the burglary at her business.

Karina Piedra Aluvarez

The owner of Guadiana Express, who reported around $3,000 in damages and stolen money from the burglary at her business.

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What they’re saying

“It was a feeling of danger, I was scared. We came here to see if they'd come to pick up the trash. That's when we saw someone honking, and I thought it was a customer who was hanging around the parking lot.”

— Lizeth Chavez, Owner, La Malquerida Cantina (CBS Colorado)

“I felt really scared, I felt really scared because I normally work here alone with my daughters, and we don't know where this came from.”

— Karina Piedra Aluvarez, Owner, Guadiana Express (CBS Colorado)

What’s next

Commerce City, Lakewood, and Denver Police are all investigating the burglary cases to determine if they are connected and to try to identify the suspects.

The takeaway

These targeted burglaries against Hispanic-owned businesses in the Denver metro area have left the affected owners feeling vulnerable, powerless, and concerned for their safety. The incidents highlight the challenges small business owners, especially from minority communities, can face when it comes to property crimes and the need for increased support and protection for these businesses.