‘Business is losing money’: Break-ins deepen strain on Curtis Park coffee shop

DENVER, CO — In Denver's historic Curtis Park neighborhood, local business owners are grappling with a rising wave of commercial property crime. Qisa Coffee, a beloved neighborhood staple owned by Abdul Aziz, recently became the latest target in a string of early-morning burglaries that have left the local business community on edge.

According to reports, thieves shattered the storefront's glass in the early morning hours, entering the premises with the sole objective of stealing the cash register. While the physical cash taken is a blow to daily operations, the owner emphasized that the financial strain runs much deeper. "Business is losing money," Aziz explained, detailing how the cost of repairing smashed windows, replacing damaged POS systems, and experiencing operational downtime far outweighs the immediate cash loss.

This incident is part of a broader, troubling trend of retail thefts and commercial break-ins that have plagued Curtis Park and adjacent Denver neighborhoods. Local merchants are increasingly voicing frustration over the vulnerability of their shops. The persistent threat of property crime has forced many small business owners to invest heavily in upgraded security systems, security shutters, and reinforced doors, adding another layer of overhead to already tight margins.

In the wake of the break-in, neighboring businesses and Curtis Park residents have rallied around Qisa Coffee, showing support by increasing their patronage. However, business owners warn that without stronger security measures and a more visible police presence, the economic viability of these historic commercial corridors remains at risk.