Denver, CO
Denver police fight crime with new parking lot lighting rules
Denver has always required that public parking lots have “proper illumination.” However, until now, there was no clear guidance on what that meant. On Wednesday, the city released new guidance to help reduce auto thefts, break-ins, and crime in the parking lots. The goal is to make the community safer.
For nine months, police studied crime patterns in parking lots and garages across downtown Denver, finding more than 700 thefts. While the number was higher in previous years, authorities said addressing the issue now is critical.
“Lighting is the number one way to reduce crime,” said Kayla Knabe, a community resource officer with the Denver Police Department.
Knabe explained that requiring proper lighting in public parking lots is part of a strategy called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
“We received several requests from property owners downtown, and a common theme was the parking lots were poorly lit,” Knabe said.
“Crime of opportunity often occurs in dark areas, so it’s important to illuminate these spaces.”
The city’s new guidelines for proper illumination include the use of security lighting, prohibition of glare, and the implementation of full cutoff lighting fixtures. Parking lot owners will now be required to upgrade their lighting when renewing their operating licenses.
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Parking lot illumination requirements – City and County of Denver Parking lot illumination requirements. Effective December 2024. The Denver Revised Municipal Code (DRMC) section 55-266 requires all licensed parking lots to be “kept properly illuminated at all times the lot is open for business.” The Department has adopted the following guidance that defines proper illumination for all licensed parking lots and garages, as well as enhanced illumination … denvergov.org |
“We think this could make a huge difference in reducing criminal activity in parking lots,” said Eric Escudero, a spokesperson for the Department of Excise and Licenses.
Escudero said the city worked with a lighting engineer to determine the best lighting options — ensuring that it won’t cause light pollution but will eliminate areas where criminals can hide.
“Outdated lighting, such as high-pressure sodium lights, will no longer be manufactured,” said Knabe.
Instead, LED lights are recommended for parking lots. A local energy provider program may offer free lighting upgrades to eligible parking lots.
“We saw a need for action, and that’s what the city is doing, finding a simple solution to a complex problem,” Escudero said.
While auto theft crimes have dropped 30% in the city, Denver police continue to search for opportunities to further reduce crime.
“Reducing auto theft and vehicle-related crimes comes down to public messaging and the work our community resource officers have been doing all year long,” said Officer Knabe.
“We’re working with parking lot owners to update an ordinance that hadn’t been revised in decades,” Escudero added. “It wasn’t addressing modern-day needs.”
Through October 1, 2024, there were 744 thefts at parking lots and garages in downtown Denver, including vehicle theft, auto parts theft, and items taken from vehicles. There were also two carjackings reported. The new lighting guidelines are designed to reduce these crimes.
Key Benefits of Lighting in CPTED, according to the Department of Excise and Licenses, are:
– Illumination of Human Activity: Well-lit areas make criminals more visible, reducing the likelihood of crime.
– Enhanced Surveillance: Better lighting allows for easier monitoring and detection of suspicious behavior.
– Reduced Concealment: Adequate lighting eliminates hidden spots where criminals may hide.
– Encourages Public Space Use: Well-lit spaces attract more people, naturally deterring crime.
– Improved Signage Visibility: Clearer signage and exits aid in safety and navigation.
Denver Police shared counts of vehicle-related theft offense reports at parking lots/garages in the downtown area from January 1-October 1, 2024.
According to the Police, no parking lot had more than 15 vehicle-related theft reports during that time. The analysis focused on thefts because the parking lot ordinance specifically references protection against theft.
*Study area includes five neighborhoods: Central Business District, Union Station, Five Points, North Capitol Hill, and Auraria
The following are year-to-date comparisons to 2023 for the five neighborhoods included in the study area for auto theft and theft from motor vehicles. This data is not specific to paid parking lots/garages.
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Auto Thefts YTD 2024 |
Theft From Motor Vehicle YTD 2024 |
|
Central Business District |
-19.31% |
-10.65% |
|
Union Station Neighborhood |
-18.97% |
+13.21% |
|
Five Points |
-23.98% |
-12.50% |
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North Capitol Hill |
-26.39% |
-11.61% |
|
Auraria Neighborhood |
-12.5% |
-30.77% |
* Jan. 1-Dec. 8, 2024 compared with the same timeframe in 2023
Parking lot operators must comply with the new guidelines; however, enforcement will initially be focused on education and outreach. The city recognizes that some lot owners may need time to install lighting upgrades, such as additional lamp posts and LED bulbs. Parking operators not in compliance may face fines up to $999 and license suspension or revocation.
There have been many great offensive linemen in Denver Broncos history, so this list is likely going to vary greatly from person to person. In fact, my take might be a little too bold, but I’m sticking with it.
At the top spot, I think Garett Bolles has earned it. Since coming into the league as a first-round pick in 2017, he has grinded through one of the worst periods in Broncos’ history and grown from beleaguered oft-penalized first-round bust into a perennial All-Pro caliber left tackle. Even more, he has stayed a Bronco through his entire career. The rest of my list speaks for itself and is a throwback to Super Bowl greatness.
Here’s where our Mile High Report staff landed on the top five for offensive line:
Scotty Payne: Tom Nalen was the leader of Mike Shanahan’s offensive line, Ryan Clady was a top LT on a Hall of Fame career before injury and Stink was a key member of the Broncos Super Bowl winning OL back in the 90s. I included Bolles and Meinerz since both will be on this list once their successful careers are over with.
Chris Hart: This position group was one of the toughest to come up with a top five. Denver has an incredible history of top-tier offensive lineman. There are several players I left off who were certainly deserving. I posted Tom Nalen as my top guy because he was a stalwart at the pivot for many years for the franchise. We all know what Gary Zimmerman and Mark Schlereth provided on the field and they are both Super Bowl champions. The last two spots go to two recent Broncos, left tackles Garret Bolles and Ryan Clady. Bolles, a decade into his career, continues to play at a high level and Clady was a fantastic blindside protector whose career ended earlier than it should due to injury.
Ian St. Clair: For the first time in Elway’s career, he had a blind-side protector. And Zimmerman is one of the best to ever do it. Same for Nalen, who should be in the HOF. Clady was special. Bishop was the first Broncos offensive lineman in franchise history to get a Pro Bowl invite and provided one of the best in-game quotes ever when he said in Denver’s endzone at old Cleveland Stadium before hiking the ball at the 2-yard line in what would become The Drive, “We got ‘em right right where want ‘em.” And Schlereth helped lock down the left side of the line that was one of the best in league history.
Sadaraine: The top 3 are largely indisputable, other than maybe swapping Schlereth and Zimmerman. Ken Lanier started 178 consecutive games, which is nuts for an OT, and appeared in 3 Super Bowls. Garret Bolles has crafted himself into an all-time great at tackle and may move up the list.
Ross Allen: The Hall-of-Famer Gary Zimmerman was everything you could ever ask for in a left tackle and was a huge reason why John Elway and that 1997 team was so dominant. Schlereth also gets his credit as he was a massive contributor to Denver’s Super Bowl successes. There’s a strong case for Tom Nalen deserving a spot in the Hall of Fame too. And for the past two years I’ve become a huge spouter of Bolles being destined for the Ring of Fame. He’s an incredible talent as has been the cornerstone of this team for a while now. I just hope he gets his Super Bowl.
Joe Mahoney: Top 3 are a no-brainer. Bolles will finish his career with more starts on the OL than any other Bronco. The man he will pass is Ken Lanier. Since stats from Lanier’s era don’t exist we only have starts to go off, but Lanier was an iron man. He started 167 NFL games and 165 were for the Broncos.
There is a bit of variation here, but a general consensus of who should be in the Top 5. I loved the throwback to Keith Bishop who was a big part of the John Elway fourth quarter magic back in the day.
Who gets into your top five offensive lineman list?
The Denver Nuggets are running it back with at least one free agent from last year’s team. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Denver Nuggets have re-signed point guard Tyus Jones.
Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. Jones played a reserve role after joining Denver on the buyout market last season, and enters his 12th NBA season as his agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management… pic.twitter.com/OxPTfX8C7l
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
Jones played 11 regular season games for Denver last year and got into 3 post-season contests as well. The Nuggets are desperately lacking in point guards who can handle the rock, especially after they decided not to pick up the fourth-year option on fellow point guard Jalen Pickett. Denver liked Jones and his ability to handle on-ball pressure better in the playoffs, and obviously feel there is utility in having him on the 15-man roster for his passing acumen and mistake avoidance despite being a target at just 6 feet tall. They did not draft a point guard, so it’s possible Jones is the first PG off the bench for the Nuggets – but in recent years they’ve relied on players like Bruce Brown to shoulder some of those duties as well even if they’re not pure point guards, so it remains to be seen just how much court time Jones is going to get.
His 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio in his career points to his high floor in ball security though, and the Nuggets have proven time and again over the past several years that they can be truly great if they don’t have silly turnovers. Jones comes back to the Mile High looking to help the Nuggets minimize their mistakes so they can maximize their talent.
Welcome back, Tyus!
The Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest celebrations of the summer, and Denver is delivering a packed lineup of events for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking to watch fireworks light up the Colorado sky, catch a live concert at Red Rocks, enjoy rooftop parties, indulge in seasonal food and drinks or explore the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Here’s your guide to the best music, food, fireworks, nightlife, arts, and cultural events happening across Denver this Fourth of July weekend.
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Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver
Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide
FASHION EVENTS
Denver Fashion Week Fall 2026 Second Model Auditions
Where: TBA
Cost: $10+
The Lowdown:
Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.
MUSIC EVENTS
Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide
Gillian Grogan and EMMA ROSE
Where: Skylark Lounge – 140 S. Broadway
Cost: $18+
The Lowdown:
Zeds Dead with Sippy, Baauer, Holly, HYDRAULIX & LUMBERJVCK
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Cost: $205+
The Lowdown:
Flobots
Where: Levitt Pavilion Denver – 1380 W Florida Ave
Cost: $0+
The Lowdown:
Don Toliver with SahBabii, SoFaygo, Chase B
Where: Ball Arena – 1000 Chopper Cir
Cost: $105+
The Lowdown:
FOOD EVENTS
Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver
Dumpling Love: Dim Sum Party
Where: Stir Cooking School Highlands – 3215 Zuni St.
Cost: $120 per person
The Lowdown:
Join the dumpling party and learn how to make pork bao buns, shrimp shumai, pan-fried gyoza, and crab cheese rangoons. All classes include a full bar with beer, wine, and house-curated cocktails for purchase.
Stars, Stripes, and Deck Nights
Where: Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar – 1999 Chestnut Pl.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Celebrate America’s 250th with our festive Bomb Pop Drinks, featuring real Bomb Pops and High Noon buckets!
4th of July Rooftop Fiesta at Cimera
Where: The Source Hotel – 3330 Brighton Blvd.
Cost: $60+
The Lowdown:
The experience is an open rooftop gathering featuring live-fire cooking, craft cocktails, and skyline views throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy Peruvian street skewers, duck & chorizo paella, and ceviche prepared live on-site.
Farmers Market Central Park
Where: Central Park – 29th Ave & Roslyn
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Local vendors provide Colorado-grown produce, tasty baked goods, specialty meats, gourmet food items and more!
LIFESTYLE EVENTS
Mystic Magnolias; A Southern Gothic Cabaret
Where: Colorado Sake Co – 3559 Larimer St
Cost: $25+
The Lowdown:
Saunter yourself out to The Mystic Magnolias, a Burlesque AND Drag Show with chilling charm and dripping in Southern Gothic atmosphere.
America 250 | Colorado 150 Drone Show presented by Visit Denver
Where: DPAC/Denver Performing Arts Complex – 1400 Curtis St.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Following Sunset Cinema’s showing of National Treasure on July 3rd at Sculpture Park, stay to enjoy the 4th of July Drone Show! This special event will be brought to you by Visit Denver, celebrating American 250 | Colorado 150, including an appearance by Mayor Mike Johnston.
Beat The Bomb Summer Mission: America250 Edition
Where: Beat The Bomb – 3863 Steele St, Unit 1273
Cost: $39+
The Lowdown:
Beat The Bomb announces the limited-time-only Summer Mission: America250 Edition – celebrating America’s 250th with five new games, a collectible beach towel, and a red, white, and blue Paint Blast!
Independence Day Concert with Denver Municipal Band (Cheesman Park)
Where: Cheesman Park – 1900 E. 11th Ave.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Price:Free
Join the Denver Municipal Band’s Concert Band for an Independence Day concert at Cheesman Park Pavilion with special guest Denver District 10 City Councilmember Chris Hinds narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.
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Whether you’re dancing at a concert, enjoying a garden dinner, cheering on your favorite soccer team or exploring a new exhibition, Denver offers plenty of ways to fill your 4th of July weekend calendar. Gather your friends, support local businesses, and discover something new around the city.
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