By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
Adopted ordinance reflects input gathered during public review process
Posted on February 24, 2026 2026News and EventsPublic Safety
Following extensive community and business input, the Board of Douglas County Commissioners has adopted an ordinance designed to improve reporting, strengthen enforcement and protect local businesses from retail theft.
The ordinance – approved unanimously at a Business Meeting on Feb. 24 – encourages timely reporting of theft, allowing investigators to respond more quickly and identify patterns of organized crime. The ordinance also discourages corporate policies that prevent employees from reporting criminal activity.
This adoption followed a second reading of the ordinance and a public input process that included 132 survey responses from residents, as well as feedback from local business owners and the Colorado Retail Council.
Based on stakeholder feedback, several key provisions were incorporated to support businesses while strengthening enforcement efforts, including:
These updates help ensure the ordinance focuses on deterring and addressing criminal activity while supporting local businesses and maintaining a strong local economy.
“I think we’ve done the right work, at the request of our residents and in consideration of our residents, because retail theft impacts not just business, but the safety and well-being of our entire community, “said Board Chair George Teal. “This ordinance strengthens our ability to respond quickly, identify patterns of criminal activity, and hold offenders accountable.”
“Our local businesses are essential to Douglas County’s economic strength and quality of life,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “This ordinance evolved from its first reading and was shaped by direct feedback from business owners and industry partners. It provides practical tools to support compliance while protecting businesses from the impacts of retail theft.”
“Public safety is not optional in Douglas County; it is the foundation of everything we do,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “When we tolerate organized retail theft, we normalize lawlessness. When lawlessness becomes normal, everyone pays the price, especially working families. This ordinance is about drawing a clear line. Douglas County supports victims, protects workers and believes in a community where rules still matter.”
“I will continue to repeat the message that we do not tolerate thieves. If you come here to steal from us, plan on staying, said 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. “Business owners and citizens alike should know that we will continue to protect their property rights.”
“I support efforts to protect our community from organized retail theft. When corporate policies prevent or discourage the reporting of theft, it limits our ability to investigate, identify patterns, and hold offenders accountable,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly. “This ordinance is a step in the right direction. It reinforces the importance of timely reporting and evidence preservation while focusing on corporate entities rather than individual employees. At the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, we remain committed to working collaboratively with our partners in the business community to keep Douglas County safe.”
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