Thieves smashed windows and grabbed items from more than 20 vehicles in a four-block area in Stapleton early Monday morning.
They stole a vehicle, which was recovered, and threatened a homeowner with what she described as a shotgun when she confronted them, Denver police said.
Police are looking for a silver or possibly white two-door pickup truck in connection with the thefts, said Sonny Jackson, Denver police spokesman.
Police received conflicting descriptions of the thieves.
The thieves also snagged several bicycles by apparently using garage door openers found in cars to enter the garages, Jackson said.
Citywide, Denver police reported a 29 percent increase in similar crimes last year.
“A lot of it could be prevented,” Jackson said. “If you don’t leave things in your car, then they will move on.”
So many thefts in one night is unusual, he said, but multiple break-ins in one area aren’t uncommon as thieves slip in and exploit a neighborhood or parking lot.
Police are asking the public to keep cars locked and call police if they see suspicious activity.
