Austin Police recover 3 vehicles, $3.5k in stolen items during shoplifting blitz operations

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Friday, the Austin Police Department said it made multiple arrests in the north Austin area during the week of Dec. 15 following three shoplifting blitz operations.

According to police, the enforcement resulted in 19 arrests or summonses being issued for people with ages ranging from juveniles to 59 years old.

APD said its North Metro Tactical Response Unit worked with retailers in the area and the APD North Criminal Investigations Division to conduct the operations.

On Dec. 16, in the Mueller and Capital Plaza Shopping Centers, APD said officers recovered and returned $582 in stolen merchandise.

On Dec. 18, APD said officers recovered $1,733.38 in stolen merchandise, as well as three stolen vehicles. The operations spanned the Domain, Arbor Walk, Gateway and Arboretum shopping centers.

APD said officers also interrupted a group that was casing vehicles in the Domain area.

On Dec. 20, in the Lakeline Mall Area, APD said officers were able to recover and return $1,173.74 in stolen merchandise.

According to police, during the operations, officers responded to 15 calls for service.