Home: Thieves

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Thieves steal Christmas from family

Updated: Thursday, 23 Dec 2010, 9:46 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 23 Dec 2010, 9:46 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Just three days before Christmas, criminals tried to steal the holiday from a Pflugerville family. Thieves ransacked the home and stole Christmas gifts from under the family's tree.

"They had taken the gifts and pretty much torn open every gift under the tree," said Officer Michelle Oneil.

Oneil and her partner, Officer Aaron Herrera, learned the family had a 4 year old daughter and a child on the way.

"It kind of hit home to see another child's gifts just ripped completely open," said Officer Herrera.

The two officers enlisted the help of fellow officer Jared Bruno.

"They were talking to me about what had happened and how they felt about this call and it kind of struck the same nerve with me," said Officer Bruno, who immediately began sending emails to family and friends asking for donations for the family.

In just 24 hours, the three officers collected more than $1,000 in donations and gifts for the family which they delivered on Thursday morning.

"For us it was just, you know, we felt so horrible for this family, because we all have families and giving presents and getting presents and all that and they weren't going to be able to do that this year," said Officer Bruno.

The officers also arranged for a holiday meal for the family. No arrests have been made in the case. The family did not want to be identified because the victims believe they may have been targeted because they were out of town.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thieves hit bike shop four times

Updated: Saturday, 20 Nov 2010, 4:51 PM CST
Published : Saturday, 20 Nov 2010, 4:41 PM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Eric Hess, co-owner of Austinbikes off Fifth Street , is dealing with the noise made by a drill and hammer as a glass worker replaces the front windows of his store, yet again.

His store has been broke into five times since June, and four of those times, merchandise was stolen.

"It has gotten to the point where it is overbearing," said Hess.? "We are to the point now where we have to physically keep people out of the business."

Hess said during one of the break-ins, thieves stole $12,000 worth of bikes and other gear.

Now, security is being upped at the store and includes motion sensors, surveillance cameras, a retractable security gate to protect the windows and even the installation of bars over the windows.

Hess called police to report each break-in, but no arrests have been made in the case.? Hess told KXAN he feels 'disappointed' and 'disgruntled' with the police and wants increased patrols in the area.

"We think it is a little ridiculous that we have to go to this length to protect our building and to protect our inventory," Hess explained.

Hess estimates damages and stolen merchandise total more than $25,000.? He said he does have insurance but that does not mean it isn't costly.

"Our premiums are going up and up," Hess said.

Like police, Hess does not have any clue as to the identity of the thieves.

"We don't give the stink eye to any of our clients.? We have no idea who it can be.? We like to think that we do good and help people and it just hurts to know that there are people out there desperate as they may be, resort to things like this," Hess added.

Hess said he is now recording all the serial numbers of the bikes he assembles and sells.

He is also scouring sites like Craigslist and Ebay to see if any of his stolen merchandise is trying to be sold online.

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