AURORA, Colorado – After suffering more than $100,000 in losses from property damage and stolen bikes, an Aurora bike shop changed its business model to appointment-only.

“In the last three months we have had five different robberies and break-ins,” said Mackenzie Hardt, owner of Hardt Family Cyclery.

When Hardt found the East 25th Avenue location for his family business four years ago, he thought it was the perfect address. But the recent crime wave forced him to change his business practices.

“Having to restrict families to very specific times of the week that may not be as convenient for them simply doesn’t work and they will move on,” Hardt said.

Hardt said he tries to do his best by talking to potential customers before they come to him.

“We only open the door to people we know or people we can verify through a process,” he explained.

Since the change, sales have declined.

“The sale allows us to continue. The sale allows me to support my family. The sale allows us to live a comfortable life and the sale allows us to expand our business and hire more employees,” Hardt said.

However, Hardt believes that this had to be changed for the safety of his employees.

“There is no reason to get injured because of a bicycle,” said Hardt.

Hardt believes he has done everything he can to protect his business – installing cameras, security locks and even barred windows. He said it’s now time for the city of Aurora to step in and break this cycle of crime.

“We may be small, but we paid well over $100,000 in sales tax to the city of Aurora last year. And where are the taxes for us?” he asked.