Castle Rock council advances theft-reporting rule with $500 fine cap
On first reading, council amended the proposal to cap ordinance fines at $500 and call for a June 2027 review; final approval is scheduled for Nov. 17.
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Castle Rock Town Council voted 4–3 on Oct. 20 to advance on first reading an ordinance requiring businesses to report qualifying thefts, amending it to cap fines for violating the rule at $500 and call for a June 2027 review. A second reading is scheduled for Nov. 17, so the ordinance is not yet in effect, the council’s draft minutes record.
Under the ordinance draft, a business would have to report thefts of its property totaling at least $2,000. The 96-hour period would begin when an employee or representative became aware of reasonable grounds to believe a theft occurred, not necessarily when it happened. Reports could be made through a method accepted by the law-enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
The draft also requires covered businesses to preserve and provide related photographic or video evidence. It would prohibit retaliation against employees for reporting theft or preserving or providing evidence, and bar written policies that prohibit employees from reporting theft. Employees would not have to confront or detain suspected offenders. A business could notify law enforcement within 96 hours that it is conducting a good-faith investigation to gather information for a later report.
The $500 maximum applies to fines for violating the reporting ordinance, not penalties for the underlying theft. Town staff said violations would need to be investigated and proved in Municipal Court, where a judge would determine the fine, the Douglas County News-Press reported.
Enforcement was a concern during the council discussion. Staff said it could be difficult for the Town to learn of unreported thefts, particularly after 96 hours or if video evidence was no longer available. Council members also questioned whether the anti-retaliation provision could draw the Town into disputes between employers and employees. Mayor Jason Gray and other members discussed removing that provision.
The requested June 2027 review would include the number of theft reports, giving council members a way to assess how the ordinance is working.