Burglaries Force North Austin Small Business to Go Cashless

Burglaries Target Small Businesses in North Austin Shopping Center

A series of burglaries hit at least three small businesses in a North Austin shopping center on Saturday night, leaving business owners with the daunting task of cleaning up and reevaluating their security measures. The affected businesses include Amy’s Ice Creams, Phil’s Ice House, and East Side Pies, all located within the same shopping center. Each reported broken glass and significant cleanup efforts.

The incidents have raised concerns among local business owners, who are now looking for ways to protect their establishments from further break-ins. One of the victims, East Side Pies, has decided to transition to a cashless business model due to the increasing frequency of such crimes.

What Happened at the Businesses

According to social media posts, Amy’s Ice Creams, Phil’s Ice House, and East Side Pies were all targeted by burglars on Friday, August 15. The social media post from Amy’s Ice Creams stated, "Glass was broken and there's cleanup to do, but our teams are safe - and we're OPEN as usual today."

Gabriel Yzaguirre, an employee at Phil’s Ice House, shared that the burglars entered through the side doors, causing damage but not trashing the premises. He mentioned, "They didn't trash anything else, they just made their way through to what they needed, just cash, and they didn't take anything else. Surprisingly, they didn't even take the roll of coins or anything like that."

Amy’s Ice Creams reported that an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen during the break-in. The shop has filed a police report and is considering new security measures to prevent future incidents.

Community Response and Support

The impact of these burglaries has been felt across the community, with many expressing concern over the safety of local businesses. Yzaguirre added, "This break-in is part of a string of burglaries happening across Austin, and too many of our fellow small businesses have been affected. What’s carried us through today is the love and support we’ve already felt from our neighborhood and the city."

Amy’s Ice Creams also shared a message on social media, stating, "Over the weekend, our Amy’s Ice Creams and Phil’s Icehouse location on Highway 183 was broken into. It was a tough way to wake up, but I’m grateful to share that all of our staff are safe and the shop is open today. This break-in is part of a string of burglaries happening across Austin, and too many of our fellow small businesses have been affected. What’s carried us through today is the love and support we’ve already felt from our neighborhood and the city."

The company urged customers to continue supporting local businesses, saying, "If you’re looking for a way to help, the best thing you can do is keep showing up for local spots you love. Come by and share a scoop or a burger with us — and please make sure to stop by our neighbors at East Side Pies, who were also impacted. Moments like this remind us why Austin is such a special place to call home."

Surveillance Footage and Further Details

East Side Pies released a video showing two individuals entering the business wearing dark hoodies and covering their faces before knocking down the security camera. The footage highlights the brazen nature of the crime and the vulnerability of local businesses.

The company revealed that all three of its locations have been broken into within the last 10 days, including two incidents at its Rosewood store. In response to the increasing threats, East Side Pies has decided to go cashless, stating, "It’s alarming to see local businesses across Austin being targeted like this, but we’re staying resilient and deeply grateful for the community support as we move forward."

Ongoing Investigations

The Austin Police Department has confirmed that all the burglaries are connected and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Business owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their properties. As the community continues to support local businesses, the hope is that these incidents will not deter the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience that defines Austin.